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AN
INTRODUCTION
TO THE
NATURAL SYSTEM OF BOTANY:
A SYSTEMATIC VIEW
OF THE ^S^
ORGANIZATION, NATURAL AFFINITIES, AND GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION
OF THE WHOLE
VEGETABLE KINGDOM;
TOGETHER WITH THE USES OF THE MOST IMPORTANT SPECIES IN MEDICINE, THE
ARTS, AND RURAL OR DOMESTIC ECONOMY.
By JOHN LINDLEY, F. R. S., L. S., G. S.
MEMBER OF THE IMPERIAL ACADEMY NATURiE CUHIOSORUM ;
OF THE BOTANICAL SOCIETY OF RATISBON ; OF THE PH YSIOGRAPHICAL SOCIETY OF LUND;
OF THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF BERLIN ;
HONORARY MEMBER OF THE LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY OF NEW YORK, &C. &C.
AND PROFESSOR OF BOTANY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON.
FIRST AMERICAN EDITION, WITH AN APPENDIX.
BY JOHN TORREY, M. D.,
Professor of Chemistry and Botany in the College of Physicians and Surgeons in the City of
New York, Member of the Wernerian Society of Edinburgh, Fellow of the
Mineralogical Society of Jena, Member of the Physiographical
Society of Lund, Sweden, &c, &c.
" C'est ainsi que sont formees les families tres naturelles et g6neralement avoutfes. On extrait de tous
les genres qui composent chacune d'elles les caracteres communs a tous, sans excepter ceux qui n'appar-
tiennent pas a la fructification, et la reunion de ces caracteres communs constitue celui de la famiile. Plus
leg resemblances sont nombreuses, plus les families sont naturelles, ct par suite le caractere general est
plus charge. En procedant ainsi, on parvient plus surement au but principal de la Science, qui est, non de
nommer une plante, niais de connoitre sa nature et son organization entiere." — J ussikc.
NEW YORK:
G. & C. & H. CARVILL, 108, BROADWAY
1831.
" Entered aceording toActoi Congress, in the yeai ls~3l, by G. & C. & H. CarviB,
in the Office of the I'leik ui the Southern District, of New York."
HLEIGHT AND ROBINSON, PRINTERS.
ADVERTISEMENT
TO THE AMERICAN EDITION.
The Introduction to the Natural System of Botany, was published
in London last autumn, and a copy of the work was shortly after obli-
gingly sent to me by the author. I at once perceived that a desidera-
tum in British and American Botany, long felt and lamented, was at
length supplied. In France, the natural or philosophical method has
for many years past taken the place of the artificial or sexual system of
Linnaeus, and recently by the labours of Brown, Lindley, Hooker, Gre-
ville, and others, it has begun to be employed in England and Scotland,
The principal obstacle, however, to the use of the natural system in
Great Britain and North America, has been the want of an elementary
work on the subject ; for, with the exception of Sir J. E. Smith's Gram-
mar of Botany, no treatise on the natural classification in the English
language had been published until the " Introduction" of Mr. Lind-
ley, the distinguished Professor of Botany in the University of London,
made its appearance. It therefore occurred to me that I could not do a
more acceptable service to the friends and cultivators of Botanical Science
in the United States, than by preparing an American edition for the press
forthwith. Accordingly, an arrangement was made with the enterprising
Messrs. Carvill of this city, to have it printed in the course of the en-
suing summer ; but various circumstances had delayed its publication
until the present time.
In this edition I have taken the liberty of making a few additions
(chiefly references to treaties published since the Introduction was
written,) which are included in brackets ; and also of substituting a few
terms for others employed by the author, and which might be thought
objectionable in a work that will doubtless become popular in this country.
I have also prefixed to the principal work a small but very valuable
treatise, by the same author, entitled, An Outline of the First Princi-
ples of Botany, and published by him in a separate form. This is an
epitome of modern philosophical Botany, and will be found highly useful
to those who wish to obtain an accurate knowledge of (he Natural < la -si
fication of the Vegetable Kingdom.
IV ADVERTISEMENT.
The Appendix, which is added to the whole, consists of a catalogue
of North American genera of plants arranged according to the order in
the text, with the number of species belonging to each genus as far as
they are at present determined, besides several tables exhibiting the rela-
tive proportions of the different families, &c, and an index. The first
and only work of this kind, before the present was by the late distinguished
Abbe Correa, who prepared it for the use of a botanical class to which he
lectured in Philadelphia, in 1815.* It is entitled li Reduction of all the
Genera of Plants contained in the Catalogus Plantarum Americce
Septentrionalis of Dr. Muhlenberg, to the Natural Families of Jus-
sicii." At that time our Botany was but little known, and the Natural
System itself was in a very imperfect state.
The catalogue which 1 have prepared, embraces a considerable num-
ber of genera and species which are not described in the latest general
Floras, but it is by no means asserted to be complete. There are exten-
sive districts in North America which have never been visited by a Bo-
tanist, and even in the United States there are large spaces which are but
little known or very imperfectly explored. There are also many plants
collected by Douglass, Richardson, Drummond, Scouler, Nuttall, and
others, which have not yet been published, so that it is probable that North
America, excluding the Mexican states, contains not less than 5000 pheno-
gamous plants.
In preparing the list of cryptogamous genera, I have been kindly as-
sisted by my friends A. Halsey, Esq. and the Rev. L. D. Schweinitz.
The latter gentleman kindly alowed me to copy the genera of the Fungi
from his manuscript work on the North American species of this tribe,
which he lately offered to the Philosophical Society of Philadelphia, for
publication in their transactions.
The mark (§) prefixed to a name in the catalogue signifies that the
plant has been introduced. A note of interrogation expresses a doubt
whether the genus is referred to the right natural order. The numbers
following the orders refer to the pages of the Introduction. J. T.
New York, November 4, 1831.
* It was published without a name in a pamphlet form, and was afterwards re-
printed in the American edition of Smith's Grammar of Botany, where it is incor-
rectly stated to have been written by Dr. Muhlenberg.
TO
THE COURT OF EXAMINERS
OP
THE SOCIETY OF APOTHECARIES,
LONDON.
GENTLEMEN,
As Guardians of the education of a very consi-
derable part of the Medical Profession, the subject of the
following pages cannot be otherwise than interesting to you.
If a knowledge of the Plants from which medicinal substances
are obtained, is in itself an object of importance, as it most
undoubtedly is, the Science which teaches the art of judging
of the hidden qualities of unknown vegetables by their external
characters is of still greater moment. To what extent this can
safely be carried, it is not, in the actual state of human know-
ledge, possible to foresee ; but it is at least certain, that it
depends entirely upon a careful study of the natural relations
of the Vegetable Kingdom.
Measures have lately been taken by the Society of Apothe-
caries, which cannot fail to exercise a most beneficial influence
upon Botany, and, which must have been viewed with feelings
IV DEDICATION-
of deep interest by all friends of the Science. As a humble
individual, whose life is devoted to its investigation, J am
anxious to take the present opportunity of expressing my
sentiments upon the subject, by very respectfully offering for
your acceptance a Work, tchich it is hoped will be found
useful to the Student of Medical Botany.
I have the honor to be,
Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
JOHN LINDLEY
Univertity of London,
August, 1830.
CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS.
Page xxx line 8 for " af," read of.
xxxi 11 for " ralation," read relation,
xxxi 20 from bottom, for " arrises," read arises,
xxxii 12 for " envolucrum," read involucrum.
xxxiii 28 for " onagrarLjE," read onagrarije.
Page 5 line 2 for " Araliacac," read Araliaceffi.
9 for " Renunculaceae," read Ranunculacese.
11 28 for " apparantly," read apparently.
13 9 for " in a monocotyledon," read is a, &c.
24 7 from bottom, for " polyadalphous," read polyadelphous.
25 10 for " Hibertia," read Hibbertia.
31 for " filaform," read filiform.
26 1 for " polypytalous," read polypetalous.
6 for " declinous," read diclinous.
40 for " conic," read tonic.
28 6 from bottom, for " Monimese," read Monimieee.
32 25 for " cincrescens," read cinerascens.
33 12 for " coherant," read coherent.
35 11 for " sapals," read sepals.
20 for " Streptiferous," read Septiferous.
22 for " convulute," read convolute.
36 after line 15, add, Examples. Bombax, Matisia, Montezuma,
Eriodendron.
35 for " pumula," read plumula.
39 10, and p. 40, line 4, for -; DiooNosis,"read Diagnosis.
43 7 for " Hypericenese," read Hypericineee.
44 8 for " savauge," read sauvage.
87 8 for " Charmichelia," read Carmicheelia.
91 16 for " Betalineae," read Betulineee.
97 26, after "discoverer," add M. Leroux.
112 13 for " darrhcea," read diarrhoea.
157 bottom line, for " Monsia," read Montia.
176 3 for " hopogynous," read hypogynous.
280 25 for " Drabo," read Draco.
283 4 from bottom for " Decancolle," lead Decandolle.
317 3 for " Heterenomea," read Heteronemea.
344 9 for " Ternstromeriace^b," read Ternstromiace^.
345 20 for " Cladrastris," read Cladrastis.
346 36 for " Iresene," read Iresine.
38 for " Piloxerus," read Philoxerus.
34 and 35, for " PodostomejE and Podostomum," read
Podosteinea) and Podostcmum.
bottom line, for " Execaria," read Excaecaria.
347 47 for " Tetragonatheca," read Tetragonotheca.
348 13 for " Villarasia," read Villarsia.
349 15 for " ENDOGYN.E," read ENDOGEN^E.
351 6 from bottom, for " Variolara." read Variolaria.
7 from bottom, for " Duforea," read Dufourea.
352 for " Arractobalus," read Atractobolus.
.. for " Lecangium," read Lcangium.
for " Erisiphe," read Erysiphe.
17 from bottom, for " Myscotriclnun," read Myxotrichum.
Vlll CORRECTIONS AND ADDITIONS.
361 for " Pennicetum," read Pennisetum
368 38 for " Calyptrenthus," read Calyptranthua.
369 6 from bottom, for " Ceibera," read Cerbera.
373 23 for " Droceraceee," read Droseraceee.
376 6 from bottom, for " Herpiridese," read Hesperideee.
377 11 for " Hirpocrateacese," read Hippocrateacese.
369 14 for "88," 288.
A few other errors may be found, but the above, it is believed, are all
which are worth noticing.
AN OUTLINE
/:
THE FIRST PRINCIPLES
BOTANY.
CONTENTS.
I, Elementary Organs ...... xv
II. Compound Organs - xvi
III. Root
IV. Stem - . . ...
V. Leaf-buds .......
VI. Leaves - - . . . ..
VII. Hairs
VIII. Food and Secretions -
IX. Flower-buds
X. Inflorescence ........ xxjv
XI. Floral Envelopes xxv
XII. Stamens
XIII. Disk . . . . _
XIV. Pistillum ........ xxviii
- - XXX
xxxi
XV. Ovulum -
XVI. Fruit -
XVII. Seed
XVIII, Flowerless Plants
XVII
xvii
xx
XX
xxii
xxii
xxii
xxvi
xxviii
xxxin
xxxv
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PREFACE.
The want of some English work on Botany, at once of a mere ele-
mentary character and comprehending all the more important points of
the science, has given rise to the publication of the following pages. The
propositions which they contain are such as it is of the most indispensa
ble importance for a student to understand ; and they all appear to be
strictly deducible either from the facts recorded by observers worthy of
confidence, or from the experience of the author. They form the Ixisis of
the Lectures delivered by him in the University of London, and are pur-
posely divested of illustrative or explanatory matter; his only object
having been to reduce the first principles of Botany to their simplest form.
No person can be considered a Botanist who is unacquainted with the
nature of the evidence upon which such of these propositions as are indis-
putable, are founded ; or by which it is supposed that others, which are less
certain, can be disproved. Acquiring this kind of knowledge constitutes
the study of Vegetable Comparative Anatomy, or Organography ; a cu-
rious and interesting subject, upon which Systematic Botany entirely
depends.
Whatever value may attach to this little work would have been essen-
tially diminished by the introduction of theories unsupported by what may
be reasonably considered satisfactory evidence. They have, therefore, been
avoided as far as the nature of the subject, in which much is incapable of
direct demonstration, would permit.
The wish of the author has been to sketch a slight but accurate outline,
the details of which are to be filled up by the reader himself, who for this
purpose cannot do better than consult the " Organographie Vegetale" of
Decandolle, or the " Elementa Philosophise Bolanicae" of Link ; two
works of the highest reputation, in the general accuracy of which the stu-
dent may place confidence. He will easily see what parts of either are
merely hypothetical, and what are founded upon direct observation ; and
he will find that it is chiefly the latter class which applies to the proposi-
tions introduced into this book.
Each paragraph has a separate number ; and in all cases in which
allusion is made in one paragraph to a subject of importance incidentally
Xiv PREFACE.
adverted to in another, the number of that other is quoted. For instance
take paragraph 51.
51. The compound organs are the axis (52) and its appendages
(158).
Here the numbers after "axis," and "appendages,"' show in what
paragraphs an explanation of the meaning of these words is to be found.
AN OUTLINE OF THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF BOTANY.
1. Plants are not separable from animals by any absolute character ; the sim-
plest individuals of either kingdom not being distinguishable by our senses.
2. Animals are for the most part ^incapable of multiplying by mechanical or
spontaneous division of their trunk.
3. Plants are for the most part congeries of individuals, multiplying by sponta-
neous or artificial division of their trunk or axis.
4. Generally speaking, the latter are fixed to some substance from which they
grow, are destitute of locomotion, and are nourished by absorption through their
cuticle (38).
5. Plants consist of a membranous transparent tissue, formed by a combination
of oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon, to which azote is occasionally superadded.
6. Their tissue appears under four forms, viz. cellular tissue, woody fibre, spiral
vessels, and ducts. These are called elementary organs.
I. ELEMENTARY ORGANS.
7. Of these Cellular Tissue (Tela cellulosa, hat. ; Tissu cellulaire, Fr. ; Pulp
and Parenchyma, of old writers ; Zellgewebe, Germ.) is the only form universally
found in plants ; the other forms are often either partially or entirely wanting.
8. Cellular tissue is composed of transparent vesicles, the sides of which are not
perforated by visible pores (17).
9. Each vesicle is a distinct individual, cohering with the vesicles with which
it is in juxtaposition.
10. Therefore, the apparently simple membrane that divides two contiguous
cells is in fact double.
11. If the adhesion of the contiguous cells be imperfect, spaces will exist be-
tvveen them. Such spaces are called intercellular passages.
12. The vesicles of cellular tissue, when separate, are round or oblong ; when
slightly and equally pressed together, they acquire an hexagonal appearance ;
stretched lengthwise, they become prismatical, cylindrical, or fusiform.
13. Cellular tissue, the vesicles of which fit together by their plane faces, is
called parenchyma.
14. Cellular tissue, the vesicles of which are elongated and overlie each other at
the extremities, is called prosenchyma.
15. Parenchrjma constitutes all the pulpy parts of the medulla or pith (82),
the medullary rays (113), a portion of the bark (102), and all that is interposed
between the veins of the leaves and of other appendages of the axis.
16. Prosenchyma is confined to the bark and wood, in which it is mixed with
woody fibre (19).
17. The function of the cellular tissue is to transmit fluids in all directions ;
the membrane of which it is composed is, therefore, permeable, although not fur-
nished with visible pores (8).
18. It has been supposed that the cellular tissue is self-productive, one vesicle
giving birth to many others.
19. Woody fibre (Vasa fibrosa, Lat. ; Tissu cellulaire allonge, Fr. ; Clostres,
Fr. ; Bastrohren, Germ.) is tissue consisting of elongated tubes tapering to each
end, and, like the vesicles of cellular tissue, imperforate to the eye.
20. It may be considered a form of the cellular tissue, itself, to which it is fre-
quently referred.
21. It is found in the wood, among the parenchyma of the liber (104), and in the
veins of leaves, and of other appendages of the axis.
22. Its functions are to give strength to the vegetable fabric, and to serve as a
medium for the passage of fluid from the lower to the upper extremities.
XVI FIRST PRINCIPLES
23. Spiral vessels (Vasa 'spiralia, Lai. ; Trachees, Fr. ; Spiralgefasse,
Germ.) consist of elastic tissue twisted spirally into the form of a cylinder, and
capable of unrolling.
24. They are found in the medullary sheath (86), and in all parts that emanate
from it in an ascending direction ; viz. the veins of the leaves, and every thing
that is a modification of them.
25. They are not found in any part which is formed in a downward direction ;
and are consequently absent from the wood, bark, and root.
26. The function of the spiral vessels is unknown.
27. They only exist in plants propagated by the agency of sexes.
28. Hence the two primary divisions of the vegetable kingdom ; viz., Vasculares,
or plants furnished with spiral vessels and propagated by the agency of sexes ; and
Cellulares, or plants destitute of spiral vessels and not propagated by the agency
of sexes.
29. Ducts (Fausses trachees, Fr.; Saftrohren, Germ.) are transparent tubes, the
sides of which are marked with dots, or bars, or transverse streaks.
30. Sometimes they have the appearance of spiral vessels, from which they are
known by not being capable of unrolling.
31. Their sides are not perforated by visible holes or pores, except in Coniferae,
and Cycadeae, in which perforations are supposed to exist.
32. They are found among the woody fibre, exist in great abundance in the wood,
and their ends are in immediate connexion with the loose cellular tissue occupying
the extremities of the fibres of the roots.
33. Their functions have not been accurately determined. It is probable that
they serve for the passage of air.
34. The mode in which the different forms of tissue are developed is unknown.
35. There are no other elementary forms of tissue. Air-vessels, Reservoirs of
oil, Lenticular glands, Proper vessels, are all either distended intercellular pas-
sages, or cavities built up with cellular tissue.
36. When such caviiies are essential to the existence of a species, they are
formed by a regular arrangement of cellular tissue in a definite and unvarying figure ;
Ex. Water-plants. When they are not. essential to the existence of" a species,
they are mere irregular distensions or lacerations of the tissue ; Ex. Pith of the
Walnut Tree.
. 37. All these forms of tissue are enclosed within a skin called the cuticle.
38. The Cuticle is an external layer of parenchyma, the cells of which are
compressed, and in a firm state of cohesion.
39. The spaces seen upon the cuticle, when examined by a microscope, represent
these cells.
40. It is, therefore, not a peculiar membrane, but a form of cellular tissue.
41. It is spread over all parts of plants, except the stigma (345).
42. The mass of cellular tissue lying beneath the cuticle of the bark is called
the epidermis.
43. The cuticle is often furnished with stomata.
44. Stomata are oval spaces lying between the sides of the cells, opening into
intercellular cavities in the subjacent tissue, and bordered by a rim, the nature of
which is not well known.
45. It is not improbable that this appearance of a rim is due to the juxtaposition
of two elastic vesicles, closing up or opening the aperture on which they lie,
according to circumstances.
46. Stomata are found abundantly upon leaves, particularly on the lower surface
of those organs ; occasionally upon all parts that are modifications of leaves, espe-
cially such as are of a leafy texture ; and on the stem.
47. Stomata have not been found upon the roots, nor on colourless parasitical
plants, nor the submersed parts of plants, nor on cellular plants destitute of ducts ;
they are rare, or altogether absent from succulent fruits, and from all parts in a state
of anamorphosis.
48. Any part in which there is an unusual degree of cellular dcvelopemcnt, is said
to be in a state of anamorphosis.
49. The function of stomata is to facilitate evaporation.
II. COMPOUND ORGANS.
50. From peculiar combinations of the elementary organs are formed the com-
pound organs.
OF BOTANY. XVU
51. The compound organs are the curia (52) and its appendages (158).
53. The axis may be compared to the vertebral column of animals.
53. It is formed by the developement of an embryo, or of a Leaf-bud.
54. An embryo is a young plant, produced by the agency of the stamina and pistil.-,
and developed within a seed.
55. A leaf-bud is a young plant, produced without the agency of the stamina and
pistils, and either enclosed within rudimentary leaves called scales, or naked.
56. Seeds propagate the species.
57. Leaf-buds propagate the individual.
58. All the phenomena connected with the growth of plants arc caused by an in-
herent vital action.
59. When the vital action of a seed or bud is excited, the tissue devclopes in
three directions, the one upwards, the other downwards, and the third horizontal.
60. That part which developes downwards is called the descending axis or root ;
that upwards, the ascending axis or stem ; and the part from which these two a.\c»
start is called the collet or neck.
61. This elongation in opposite directions takes place simultaneously: hence it
follows that all plants must necessarily have an ascending and descending axis, or
a stem and root.
62. The only apparent exceptions to this are vesicular Alga?.
III. ROOT.
63. The root is formed by the descending and dividing fibres of the stem.
64. Anatomically it differs from the stem in the absence of spiral vessels (~3), of
pith (15), and of buds, and in the want of stomata (11).
65. The functions of the root are to fix plants in the earth, and to absorb nu-
triment from it.
66. This absorption takes place almost exclusively by the extremities, which
consist of a lax coating of cellular tissue lying on a concentric layer of woody fibre,
in the midst of which is placed a bundle of ducts.
IV. STEM.
67. The stem is produced by the successive developement of leaf-buds (142),
which elongate in opposite directions.
68. If an annular incision be made below a branch of an Exogenous planl
the upper lip of the wound heals rapidly, the lower lip does not : the pari above tlie
incision increases sensibly in diameter, the part below does not.
69. If a ligature be made round the bark, below a branch, the part above the liga-
ture swells, that below it docs not swell.
70. Therefore the matter which causes the increase of Exogenous plants in
meter descends.
71. If a growing branch is cut through below a leaf-bud, that branch nevei
creases in diameter between the section and the first bud below it.
72. The diameter of all Exogenous stems increases in proportion to the num
of leaf-buds that are developed.
73. The greater the number of leaf-buds above a given part, the greater tin
diameter of that part ; and vice versa.
74. In the spring the newly forming wood is to be traced to the form of fibres de-
scending from the leaf-buds ; that which is most, newly formed lying on the outside,
and proceeding from the most newly developed buds.
75. Therefore the descending matter, by successive additions of which Exi
nous plants increase in diameter, proceeds from the leaf-buds.
76. Their elongation upwards gives rise to new axes, with the appendaj
same; their elongation downwards increases the diameter of that part of the axis
which pre-existed, and produces roots.
77. Hence, while the stem is formed by the successive evolution of leaf-buds, the
root, which is the effectofthat evolution", lias i"1 1 laf-buds.
78. The leaf-buds thus successively de\. firmly connected by the cellu-
lar tissue of the stem, which proceeds from th< m\ ards, or from the circumfe-
rence to the centre.
79. The stem varies in structure in three principal modes.
80. In vascular plants il is eithei formed by successive additions to the outsid
the wood, wken it is called Exogenous; or by successive additions lo il • • entre,
XY111 FIRST PRINCIPLES
when it is called Endogenous. In cellular plants it is formed by the union of the
bases of the leaves, or by simple elongation or dilatation where no leaves or buds
exist.
81. The stem of Exogenous plants may be distinguished into the Pith, the Me-
dullary Sheath, the Wood, the Bark, the Medullary Rays, and the Cambium.
82. The Pith consists of cellular tissue, the vesicles of which are in a slightly
compressed state ; it occupies the centre of the stem.
83. It never alters in diameter after it is once formed.
84. It is produced by the elongation of the axis upwards.
85. It serves to nourish the young buds until they have acquired the power of pro-
curing nourishment for themselves.
86. The Medullary sheath consists of spiral vessels and ducts.
87. It immediately surrounds the pith, projections of which pass through it into
the medullary rays (113).
88. It is in direct communication with the leaf-buds and the veins of the leaves.
89. It carries upwards the fluid absorbed either immediately from the earth, or
through the intervention of the alburnum (101), and conducts it into the leaves.
90. The Wood lies upon the medulllary sheath, and consists of concentric
layers.
91. It is formed by the successive adhesion of the descending axes of the buds, and
by the distention or increase of the cellular tissue of the medullary rays.
92. The first concentric layer lies immediately upon the medullary sheath and
pith, and consists of woody fibre and ducts.
93. Each succeeding concentric layer consists of an interior stratum of cellular
tissue, and an outer stratum of woody fibre and ducts.
94. Therefore, all the concentric layers that succeed the first may be considered
to consist of wood and pith, and to be the same as the first, with the exception of
the absence of a medullary sheath.
95. A concentric layer, once formed, never alters in dimensions.
96. Each concentric layer, which is distinctly limited, is the produce of one
year's growth.
97. Therefore, the age of an Exogenous plant may generally be known by the
number of concentric circles of the wood.
98. The secretions of plants are deposited first in the oldest concentric layers ;
while those layers which are most recently formed are either empty, or contain but
a slight deposit.
99. When the tissue of the concentric layers is filled with secretions, it ceases to
perform any vital functions.
100. The dead and fully formed central layers are called the heart-wood.
101. The living and incompletely formed external layers are called the alburnum.
102. Upon the outside of the wood lies the Bark, which, like the wood, consists
of concentric layers.
103. Each concentric layer is composed of woody fibre and ducts, covered exter-
nally by a layer of cellular tissue.
104. The woody fibre and ducts constitute the liber.
105. The exterior cellular tissue constitutes the cellular integument or ejiiih rmis .
106. The concentric layers of the wood and bark arc the reverse of each other,
the former increasing externally, the latter internally ; the former having a zone of
cellular tissue inside, and of woody fibre and ducts outside; the latter having a
zone of woody fibre with a few ducts inside, and of cellular tissue outside.
107. The concentric layers of the bark are formed at the same period, and under
the same circumstances, as those of the wood.
108. Therefore, the number of concentric layers in the one or the other is the
same.
109. But while the concentric layers of the wood are imperishable except from
disease, those of tin; bark arc continually destroyed by the distension of the stem :
and hence the bark is always perishing naturally, while the wood sustains no
loss.
110. The secretions of a plant arc often deposited in the bark in preference to
any other part.
111. Hence chemical or medicinal principles are often to be sought in the hark
rather than in the wood.
OF BOTANY. XIX
112. The immediate ftwctions ol" the bark are to protect the young wood from
injury, and to serve as a filter through which the descending elaborated juices of a
plant may pass horizontally into the stem.
113. The Medullary Rays or Plates consist of compressed parallelograms of
cellular tissue (muriform cellular tissue).
114. They connect together the tissue of the trunk, maintaining a communica-
tion between the centre and the circumference.
115. They act as braces to the woody fibre and ducts of the wood.
116. Cambium is the viscid secretion which, in the spring, separates the albur-
num from the liber.
117. It is supposed to be destined to afford a proper pabulum for the descending
fibres of the buds.
118. I believe it exclusively gives birth to the new medullary rays.
119. As Exogenous plants increase by annual addition of new matter to then
outside, and as their protecting integument or bark is capable of distension in any
degree, commensurate with the increase of the wood that forms below it, it follows,
taking all circumstances into consideration, that there are no assignable limits
to the life of an Exogenous tree.
120. The stem of endogenous plants offers no distinction of Pith, Medullary
Rays, Wood, and Bark.
121. It is formed by the intermixture of bundles of vascular tissue among a mass
of cellular tissue, the whole of which is surrounded by a zone of cellular tissue and
woody fibre, inseparable from the stem itself, and therefore not bark.
122. It increases by the successive descent of new bundles of vascular tissue
down into the central cellular tissue.
123. The vascular bundles of the centre gradually force outwards those which
were first formed, and in this way the diameter of a stem increases.
124. The diameter of the stem of an endogenous plant is determined by the
power its tissue possesses of distending, and on its hardness.
125. When the external tissue has once become indurated, the stem can in-
crease no further in diameter.
126. When the tissue is soft and capable of continual distension, there is no
more certain limits to the life of an Endogenous than of an Exogenous tree.
127. Generally, the terminal bud only of Exogenous plants is developed ; but
very often a considerable number develope ; Ex. Asparagus.
128. When a terminal bud only of an Endogenous plant developes, the stem is
cylindrical ; Ex, Palms ; when several develope, it becomes conical ; Ex. Bam-
boo.
129. In cellular plants no other stem is formed than what arises from the simple
union of the bases of the leaves to the original axis of the bud from which they
spring, and which they carry up along with them. This subject is but ill under-
stood.
130. The ascending direction of the stem, upon its first developement, is fre-
quently deviated from immediately after.
131. It often burrows beneath the earth, when it is vulgarly called a creeping
root. Sometimes the internodia (137) become much thickened, when what are
called tubers are formed ; or the stem lies prostrate upon the earth, emitting roots
from its under side, when it is called rhizoma.
132. If it distend underground, without creeping or rooting, but always retaining
a round or oval figure, it is called a cormus.
133. All these forms of stem are vulgarly called roots.
134. No root can have either scales, which are the rudiments of leaves, or nodi,
which are the rudiments of buds. A scaly root is, therefore, a contradiction in
terms.
135. The ascending axis, or stem, has nodi and internodia.
136. Nodi are the places where the leaves are expanded and the buds formed.
137. Internodia are the spaces between the nodi.
138. Whatever is produced by the evolution of a leaf-bud (142) is a branch.
139. A spine is the imperfect evolution of a leaf-bud, and is therefore a branch.
140. All processes of the stem win.1, are not the evolutions of leaf-buds, are mere
dilatations of the cellular integument of the bark. Such are prickles. {Aculei,
Lat.)
XX FIRST FUINCIPLi.
V. LEAF-BUDS.
141. Buds arc of two kinds, Loaf-buds and Flower-buds.
142. Leaf-buds (Bourgeon, Fr.^) consist of rudimentary leaves surrounding a
itaJ point, the tissue of which is capable of elongation, upwards in the form of
stem, and downwards in the form of wood or root.
143. Fxowee-btjdb (Bouton, Fr.) consist of rudimentary leaves surrounding a
point, whicrTdoes not elongate after it is once developed, and assumes, when fully
doped, the form of reproductive apparatus.
144. Notwithstanding this difference, a leaf-bud sometimes indicates a tendency
to become a flower-bud ; and flower-buds frequently assume the characters of leaf?'
buds ; Ex. Monstrous Pears.
145. Leaf-buds are of two kinds, the regular and the adventitious.
146. Regular Leaf-buds are only found in the axillae of the leaves.
147. They exist in a developed or undeveloped state in the axilla; of all leaves,
and of all modifications of leaves.
148. Therefore, they may be expected to appear at the axilla: of scales of the-
bud, of stipulae (183), of bractero (229), of sepals (290), of petals (291), of stamens
(302), and of carpclla'(354) ; in all of which situations they are generally undc->.
vcloped.
149. They are frequently not called into action, even in the axillco of leaves.
150. As regular buds are only found in the axilla; of leaves, or of their modifica-
tions ; and as branches are always the developement of buds, it follows that what-
ever may be the arrangement of the leaves, the same will be the disposition of the
branches ; and vice versa.
151. This corresponding symmetry is, however, continually destroyed by the
developement of the buds.
152. Leaf-buds, whicli are formed among the tissue of plants subsequently to the
developement of the stem and leaves, are called latent, adventitious, or abnormal.
153. Adventitious Leaf-buds may be produced wherever there is an anastomosis
of woody fibre.
154. They arc formed in the root, among the wood, and at the margin, or on the
surface of leaves.
155. They are constructed anatomically, exactly as regular buds, having pith in
their centre, surrounded by spiral vessels, and coated over by woody fibre and cellu-
lar integument.
150. llence, as adventitious buds, containing spiral vessels, can be produced
from parts such as the root or the wood, in which no spiral vessels previously
< dsted, it follows that this form of tissue is cither generated spontaneously, or is
produced by some other tissue, in a manner unknown to us.
157. Leaf-buds have been sometimes confounded with roots by old botanists. A
bulb is a leaf-bud ; a bulbous root is a contradiction in terms.
VI. LEAVES.
158. A leaf is an expansion of the bark immediately below the origin of a regu-.
lar leaf-bud, and is an appendage of the axis (51).
1 59. Whenever a regular leaf-bud is formed, a leaf, either perfect or rudimentary,
is developed also ; and vice versa.
100. IiCaves are developed alternately, one above and opposite the other, around
their common axis; but in consequence of the internodia of the axis being une-
qually developed, leaves are often opposite or verticillate. They arc never produced
side by : ide.
161. In Exogenous plants, the primordial or seed-leaves (cotyledons) arc oppo-
site; hence, in such plants the non-developement of the axis takes place during
the original formation * » t' the embryo.
162. There is a constant tendency in opposite or verticillate leaves to become
alternate.
163. This law applies equally to the arrangement of all parts that are modifica-
tions of leaves.
104. A leaf consists of a petiole, a lamina, and a pai* of stipulse.
1G5. The petiole is the channel through which the vessels of the leaf are con-
nected with those of I he stem ; it is formed of one or more bundles of spiral vessels
and woody fibre, enclosed in a cellular integument.
%
L66. Tito spiral vessels of the leaf of Exogenous plajits derive\heir origin fromtlio
medullary sheath ; those of Endogenous plants from the bundles »fva cular tissue.
167. The cellular integument of the petiole is a continuation of that of the
bark.
108. When the petiole is leafy and the lamina is abortive, it is called phylloiium.
169. When the petiole becomes dilated and hollowed out at its upper end, the
lamina being articulated with and closing up its orifice, it is called a.Sa>itcher or
otcidium. -•
170. Sometimes the petiole has no lamina, or is elongated beyond the lamina,
and retains its usual cylindrical or taper figure, but becomes very long, and twists
spirally ; such a petiole is called a tendril, (Vrille, i'V.)
171. The lamina of a leaf is an expansion of the parenchyma of the petiole,
and is traversed by veins which are ramifications or extensions of the bundles of
vascular tissue of the petiole, or, when there is no petiole, of the stem.
172. The veins either branch in various directions among the parenchyma, anas-
tomosing and forming a kind of net-work, or they run parallel to each other, being
connected by single transverse unbranched veins.
173. The former is characteristic of Exogenous, the latter of Endogenous plants.
174. The principal vein of a leaf is a continuation of the petiole, and runs in a
direct line from the base to the apex of the lamina ; this vein is called the midrib.
17~». Conifer<B and Cycadea, tribes the stem of which has an Exogenous struc-
ture, have the same arrangement of their veins as Endogensa.
176. There are two strata of veins, the one belonging to the upper, and the other
to the under surface.
177. The upper stratum conveys the juices from the stem into the lamina, for
the purpose of being aerated and elaborated ; the under returns them into the bark.
178. The lamina is variously divided and formed ; it is usually thin and mem-
branous, with a distinct upper and under surface ; but sometimes becomes succu-
lent, when the surfaces are often not distinguishable.
• ' 17!). The upper surface is presented to the sky, the lower to thn oarlh ; this posi-
tion is rarely departed from in nature, and cannot be altered artificially except by
violence.
180. A leaf is simple when its lamina is undivided, or when, if it is separated
into several divisions, those divisions are not articulated with the petiole ; Ex.
ILime Tree, Palm.
181. A leaf is compound when the lamina is articulated with the petiole ; Ex.
Orange, Mimosa.
182. The modes in which leaves are divided are distinguished by particular
names, such as pinnated, pinnatifid, bipinnated, bipinnatifid , and very many
others. These terms apply to the mode of division, and arc equally applicable to
simple and compound leaves.
183. Stipule are attached to each side of the base of the petiole. Tbey have,
if foliaceous, veins, the anatomical structure of which is the same as of the veins
of the leaves.
184. Stipula: are sometimes transformed into leaves ; they sometimes have buds
in their axilla' ; and may be, therefore, considered rudimentary leaves.
185. Whatever arises from the base of a petiole, or of a leaf if sessile, occupy-
ing the same place, and attached to each side, is considered a stipula.
186. The stipula; must not be confounded with celhdar marginal appendages of
the petiole, as in Apocynere.
187. Stipula?, the margins of which cohere in such a way that they form a mem-
branous tube sheathing the stem, are called ochrccc ; Ex. Rhubarb.
18H. All leaves are originally continuous with the stem ; as they grow, an inter-
ruption of their tissue at their junction takes place, by which a more or less com-
plete articulation is formed sooner or later.
L89. As soon as the articulation between a leaf and stem is completed, the Fall
of the Leaf takes place. The cause of this articulation is unknown.
190. All leaves ultimately fall off; evergreen leaves later than others.
191. The mode in which leaves are arranged within their bud is called vernation,
or gemmation.
192. Leaves have, under particular circumstances, the power of producing leaf-
buds from their margin (154) ; Ex. Bryophyllum, Malaxis paludosa, and proliferous
Ferns.
\xn GENERAL PRINCIPLES
VII. HAIRS.
193. Hairs are minute expansions of transparent cellular tissue proceeding from
the surface of plants. They are of two kinds, lymphatic and secreting.
194. Lymphatic hairs are formed by vesicles of cellular tissue placed end to end,
and not varying much in dimensions.
195. Secreting hairs are formed by vesicles of cellular tissue placed end to end,
and sensibly distended at the apex or base into receptacles of fluid.
196. Lymphatic hairs are for the protection of the surface on which they are
placed, and for the control of evaporation through the stomata (44). They always
proceed from the veins, while the stomata occupy the interjacent parenchyma.
197. Secreting hairs are receptacles of the fluid peculiar to certain species of
plants, such as the fragrant volatile oil of the sweet brier, and the acrid colourless
secretion of the nettle.
VIII. FOOD AND SECRETIONS.
198. Plants are nourished by the absorption of food from the earth, in conse-
quence of which they grow, and produce their peculiar secretions.
199. The growth of plants is very rapid ; that of the leaves is such that they often
acquire six or seven times their original weight per hour.
200. The food of plants consists of water, holding various substances in solu-
tion. The roots have the power of separating these substances, and selecting such
only as are congenial to the nature of the species.
201. As soon as it is absorbed, it begins to ascend into the stem.
202. The ascending fluid is called sap ; it consists chiefly of water, mucilage, and
sugar, mixed with a small quantity of such peculiar secretions of the plant as it
may dissolve in its course. It does not alter its nature materially until it is dis-
charged into the leaves.
203. It is put in motion by the newly developing leaf-buds, which, by constantly
consuming the sap that is near them, attract it upwards from the roots as it is
required. Therefore, the movement of the sap is the effect, and not the cause, of
the growth of plants. It depends upon a vital irritability, and is independent of
mechanical causes.
204. This irritability is indicated not only by the motion of the sap, but by seve-
ral other phenomena of vegetation ; such as,
a. The elasticity with which the stamens sometimes spring up when touched, and
the sudden collapsion of many leaves when stimulated :
6. The apparently spontaneous oscillation of the labellum of some Orchideous
plants :
c. The expansion of flowers and leaves under the stimulus of light, and the col-
lapsion of them when light is withdrawn. This phenomenon in leaves is called the
sleep of plants :
d. By the effects of mineral and vegetable poisons being the same upon plants as
upon animals. Mineral poisons kill by inflammation and corrosion ; vegetable
poisons by the destruction of irritability.
205. After the sap has been distributed through the veins of the leaves, it be-
comes exposed to the influence of air and light, and undergoes peculiar chemical
changes. In this state it is called the proper juice.
200. When the proper juice has been once formed, it flows back along the lower
stratum of veins, and descends towards the roots, passing off horizontally into the
centre of the stem.
207. Hence the great importance of leaves to plants, and the necessity of ex-
posing them to the full influence of light and air, for the purpose of securing a due
execution of their natural functions.
203. Hence also the impropriety of mutilating plants by the destruction of their
leaves.
209. In Exogenous plants (80) the upward course of the fluids is through the al-
burnum, their downward passage through the bark, and their horizontal diffusion
takes place by the medullary r i
210. Hence the peculiar principle of such plants are to be sought either in the
bark or the heart-woo,-] (10(1.) not in the alburnum (101.)
211. As they are the result of the growth of a plant, they will be found more
abundantly in annual plants at the end than at the commencement of their growth.
OF BOTANY. XX ill
212. In Endogenous plants (80) it is probable that the upward and horizontal
course of the fluids is through the cellular tissue, and that the downward passage
takes place through the bundles of vascular tissue.
213. The precise direction of the sap in cellular plants (80) is unknown.
214. Besides mucilage, water, and sugar, plants contain several other principles
either proximate or accessory.
215. The proximate principles are formed by the vital powers of the plant acting,
in conjunction with air and light, upon the fluids introduced into its system.
216. Many accessory or foreign principles are also found in plants, such as silcx,
phosphate of lime, phosphorus, &c.
217. As it has been ascertained, by experiment, that these are formed in plants
the aliment of which did not contain them, it is inferred that the presence of such
principles also depends upon the operation of the vital powers of vegetation.
218. The most important chemical phenomenon connected with the growth of
plants, is the property possessed by their leaves, or green parts, of absorbing oxy-
gen and parting with carbonic acid gas in the dark ; and of parting with their oxy-
gen under the influence of the sun.
219. The alternate action of this phenomenon is supposed to cause, in conjunc-
tion with the peculiar vital powers of particular species, all the variety of proximate
and foreign principles found in vegetables.
220. No plants can long exist in which an alternate absorption and expulsion of
oxygen does not take place, except Fungi.
221. The expulsion of oxygen is determined by the quantity of light to which a
plant is exposed. Light causes the decomposition of the carbonic acid gas, and the
accumulation of solid matter.
222. Hence, if a plant is exposed to too strong a light, it perishes, from the ex-
cessive expulsion of oxygen.
223. And if it is not exposed to the influence of light, it dies from the accumula-
tion of that principle.
224. If there is too great an accumulation of oxygen, an attempt will always be
made by a plant to reach the light, for the purpose of parting with the superfluity ;
as in seeds, which, in germination, shoot from darkness into light.
225. If this cannot be effected, etiolation first takes place, which is caused by
the accumulation of oxygen, and the consequent non-deposition of carbon; and
death succeeds.
226. Seeds will not germinate in the light, because light decomposes their car-
bonic acid gas, expels the oxygen, and fixes the carbon, whence all the parts become
hardened.
IX. FLOWER-BUDS.
227. The FihOwer-bud (143) consists of imbricated, rudimentary, or metamor-
phosed leaves, the external or inferior of which are usually alternate, and the inter-
nal or superior always verticillate, or opposite ; the latter are called^/foraZ envelopes
and reproductive organs.
228. As every flower-bud proceeds from the axilla of a leaf, either fully developed
or rudimentary, it therefore occupies exactly the same position with respect to the
leaf as a leaf-bud.
229. The leaf from the axilla of which a flower-bud arises, is called a bractea,
or floral leaf; and all rudimentary leaves, of what size or colour soever, which ap-
pear on the peduncle between the floral leaf and the calyx, are called bracteolce.
230. But in common language, botanists constantly confound these two kinds,
which are, nevertheless, essentially distinct.
231. Although the buds in the axilla of bracteee are often not developed, yet they
have the same power of developement as those in the axillae of leaves ; they are
generally flower-buds, very rarely leaf-buds.
232. When a single bractea is rolled together, highly developed, and coloured,
and is placed at the base of the form of inflorescence called a spadix (259,) it is
named spatha; Ex. Arum.
233. When several bracteee are verticillate or densely imbricated around the
base of the forms of inflorescence called the umbel, or capituluin (261,) they receive
the name of involucrum; Ex. Carrot, Daisy.
234. When the bracteee of an involucrum form a single whorl, and cohere by
their margins, it is impossible to distinguish them from the calyx by any other
XXIV FIRST PRINCIPLES
mark than by their position, and by their usually surrounding more flowers than
one.
235. The minute or colourless bractea? at the base of the florets of a capitulum
(261) are called palece.
236. Small imbricated bractea? are often called scales.
237. Bractea?, when placed immediately below the stamina and pistils, as in apeta-
lous flowers, are only distinguished from the calyx by being alternate with each other,
and not verticillate ; hence the glumes and palea of grasses are bractea? and not calyx.
238. The axis of the flower-bud in its natural state does not elongate beyond
those upper series of metamorphosed leaves which constitute the stamina and pistils.
239. The elongation of its axis, from the point of its connexion with the stem,
as far as the floral envelopes, is called the peduncle.
240. When the several peduncles spring from the axis at short distances from
each other, the axis receives the name of rachis, and the peduncles themselves are
called pedicels.
241. There is never more than one flower to each peduncle, strictly speaking ;
therefore, when we speak of a two-flowered peduncle, we only mean that two flow-
ers, each having its peculiar pedicel, terminate the axis, which is then considered
a peduncle common to each pedicel.
242. Every flower, with its peduncle and bractcola?, being the developomcnt of a
flower-bud, and flower-buds being altogether analogous to leaf-buds, it follows, as a
coroliary, that every flower, with its peduncle and bracteola?, is a metamorphosed
branch.
243. And further, the flowers being abortive branches, whatever the laws arc of
the arrangement of branches with respect to each other, the same will be the laws
of the arrangement of flowers with respect to each other.
244. The flower-buds, however, being much less subject to abortion than leaf-
buds, flowers are more symmetrically disposed than branches, and appear to possess
their own peculiar order of developement.
245. As flower-buds can only develope from the axilla of a bractea, it follows,
that while a pedicel without bractea? can never accidentally produce other flowers,
any one-flowered pedicel, on which bractea? are present, can, and frequently does,
bear several flowers.
246. In consequence of a flower and its peduncle being a branch in a particular
state, the rudimentary or metamorphosed leaves which constitute bractea), floral
envelopes, stamina and pistils, are subject to exactly the same laws of arrangement
as regularly formed leaves.
247. The modes in which the flower-buds arc arranged are called forms of in-
florescence : and the order in which they unfold is called the order of expansion.
X. INFLORESCENCE.
248. Inflorescence is the ramification of that part of the plant intended for repro-
duction by seed.
249. The greater developement of some forms of inflorescence than of others, is
owinw to the greater power one plant posseses than another of developing buds,
latent in the axilla? of the bractea1.
250. A flower-bud may either develope into a (single flower, or may follow t lie
laws of increase of leaf-buds, and give birth to many other flower-buds.
251. In consequence of flower-buds obeying the laws which regulate leaf-buds,
all forms of inflorescence most of necessity, be axillary.
252. Those forms which are called opposite the leaves, extra-axillary, petiolar,
or epiphyllous, and even the terminal itself, are mere modifications of the axil-
lary.
253. The kinds of inflorescence which botanists more particularly distinguish
are the following :
254. When no elongation of the general axis of a plant takes place beyond the
developement of a flower-bud, the flower becomes what is called terminal ami
tar I) ; Ex. Paxmy.
255. When a single fiower-ln i<1 unfolds in t In- axilla of a leal', and the general axis
continues to elongate, and the leaf undergoes no sensible diminution of size, the
flower which is developed is said to be solitary undaxillary.
256. If all the buds of a newly formed elongated branch develope as flower-buds,
and at the same time produce peduncles, a raceme i& formed.
OF BOTANY. XXV
257. If buds, under the same circumstances, develope without forming pedun-
cles, a spike is produced.
258. Hence the only difference between a spike and raceme is, that in the former
the Mowers are sessile, and in the latter stalked.
259. A spadix differs from a spike in nothing more than in the Bowers bi
packed close together upon a succulent axis, which is enveloped in a spatha (232).
200. An amentum is a spike, the bracteai of which are all of equal size, and
closely imbricated, and which is articulated with the stem.
201. When a bud produces flower-buds, with little elongation of its own axis,
cither a capilulum or an umbel is produced.
202. The capitulum bears the same relation to the umbel as the spike to the ra-
ceme ; that is to say, they differ in the flower-buds of the capitulum being sessile,
and of the umbel having pedicels.
203. The dilated depressed axis of the capitulum is called the receptacle.
204. A raceme, the lowest flowers of which have long pedicels, and the upper-
must short ones, is a corymb.
205. A panicle is a raceme, the flower-buds of which have, in elongating, deve-
loped other flower-buds.
200. A panicle, the middle branches of which are longer than those of the base or
apex, is called a thyrsus.
207. A panicle, the elongation of all the ramifications of which is arrested, so that
it assumes the appearance of an umbel, is called a cyme.
208. In all modes of inflorescence which proceed from the buds of a single branch.
the axis of which is either elongated or not, the flowers expand first at the base of
the inflorescence, and last at the summit. This kind of expansion is called centri-
petal.
209. When the uppermost or central flowers open first, and those at the base or
the circumference last, the expansion is called centrifugal.
270. The centripetal order of expansion always indicates that the inflorescence
proceeds from the developement of the buds of a single branch.
271. When inflorescence is the result of the developement of several branches,
each particular branch follows the centripetal law of expansion, but the whole mass
of inflorescence the centrifugal. >
272. This arises from the partial centripetal developement commencing among
the upper extremities of the inflorescence instead of among the lower.
273. Consequently, this difference of expansion will indicate whether a particular
form of inflorescence proceeds from the developement of the buds of a single branch,
when it is called simple, or not, when it is called compound.
274. Whenever the order of expansion is centripetal, the inflorescence is to be
understood as simple; when it is centrifugal, it is compound, although in appear-
ance simple. This difference is often of great importance.
275. When the order of expansion is irregular, it indicates that the mode of de-
velopement of the flowers is irregular also, either on account of abortion or other
causes.
270. Sometimes all the flowers of the inflorescence are abortive, and the ramifi-
cations, or the axis itself, assume a twisted or spiral direction ; when this happens,
a tendril is formed ; Ex. the Vine.
XL FLORAL ENVELOPES.
277. The Floral Envelopes are the parts which immediately surround the stamen
and pistils.
278. They are formed of one or more whorls of braclea?, and arc therefore modi
tied leaves (229).
2T9. In anatomical structure they do not essentially differ from the leaves, far-
ther than is necessarily consequent upon the peculiar modilications of size or deve-
lopement to which they are subject.
280. When the floral envelopes consist of but one whorl of leaves, they are called
calyx.
281. When two or more whorls are developed, the outer is called calyx, the inner
corolla.
282. There is no other essentia] difference between the calyx and enroll;!. Then
fore, when a plant has but one floral envelope, thai one is calyx, whatever may bi
its colour or degree of developement ,
4
XXVI FIRST PRINCIPLES
283. It is necessary, however, to be aware, that sometimes the calyx is reduced
to a mere rim, either in consequence of lateral compression, as in the pappus
{aigrette, Fr.) of many Composite, or from other unknown causes, as in some
Acanthaceae.
284. If the floral envelopes are of such a nature that it is not obvious whether
they consist of both calyx and corolla, or of calyx only, they receive the name of
perianthium or perigonium.
285. Plants have frequently no floral envelopes ; in that case, flowers are said to
be naked or achlamydeous.
286. When the floral envelopes are deciduous, they fall from the peduncle, as
leaves from a branch, by means of an articulation ; if they are persistent, it is be-
cause no articulation takes place.
287. When the margins of floral envelopes are united, the part where the union
has taken place is called the tube, and that where they are separate is named the
limb. It frequently happens that in the calyx an articulation forms between the
limb and the tube.
288. Botanists generally consider that the tube of the calyx is invariably formed
by the union of the margins of the sepals. It is, however, probable, that it is in
some cases a mere dilatation and expansion of the pedicel itself, as in Esch-
scholtzia.
289. When the calyx and corolla are readily distinguishable from each other,
they exhibit the following peculiarities :
290. The calyx consists of two or more divisions, usually green, called sepals,
which are either distinct, when a calyx is said to be polysepalous, or which unite
by their margins in a greater or less degree, when it is called monosepalous or mono-
phyllous.
291. The corolla consists of two or more divisions, called petals, usually of some
bright colour, different from that of the sepals, than which they are frequently
more developed. When the petals are distinct, a corolla is said to be polypetalous ;
when they are united by their margins, it is called monopetalous.
292. If the union of the petals or sepals takes place in one or two parcels, the
corolla or calyx are said to be one or two lipped. These lips are always anterior
and posterior with respect to the axis of inflorescence, and never right and left.
293. If the sepals or petals are of unequal size, or unite in unequal degrees, the
calyx or corolla is said to be irregular.
294. When the petals are so arranged that of five the uppermost is dilated, the
two lateral ones contracted and parallel with each other, and the two lower also
contracted, parallel with each other, and coherent by their anterior margins, a flower
s said to be papilionaceous.
265. When a petal tapers conspicuously towards the base, it is said to be unguicu-
late ; its lower part is called the unguis, its upper the limb. The former is ana-
logous to the petiole, the latter to the lamina of a leaf.
296. The petals always alternate with the sepals, a necessary consequence of
their following the laws of developement of leaves.
297. If at any time the petals arise from before the sepals, such a circumstance is
due to the abortion of one whorl of petals between the sepals and those petals which
are actually developed.
298. As petals always alternate with sepals, the number of each row of either
will always be exactly the same. All deviations from this law are either apparent
only, in consequence of partial cohesions, or if real, are due to partial abortions.
299. Whatever intervenes between the bracteffi and the stamens belongs t<> the
floral envelopes, and is either calyx or corolla ; of which nature are many of the
organs vulgarly called nectaries.
300. The dilated apex of the pedicel, from which the floral envelopes and ita-
mens arise, is called the torus or reccytacle.
301. The manner in which the floral envelopes are arranged before they expand
is called their aestivation or pra-Jloration.
XII. STAMENS.
302. The whorl of organs immediately within the petals is composed of bodice
called stamens, which are considered the fecundating apparatus of plants.
OP HOT A NY XXVII
ili.'j. Tliey consist of a bundle of spiral vessels surrounded by cellular tissue,
• ailed the filament, terminated by a peculiar arrangement of the cellular tissue in a
case, finally opening and discharging its contents, called the anther.
304. There are many instances in which no limits can be traced between the
petals and stamens ; Ex. Nymphaea.
305. In such cases it is found that the limb (295) of the petal contracts and be-
comes an anther, while the unguis assumes the state of a filament.
306. Now as there are no limits between the petals and sepals (282), nor between
the sepals and bracteae (278), nor between the bracteae and leaves (229), it follows
that the stamens are also a modification of leaves.
807. And as the limb of a petal is analogous to the lamina, and the unguis (295)
to the petiole of a leaf, it also follows that the anther is a modification of the lamina,
and the filament of the petiole.
308. The stamens follow the same laws of successive developement as leaves ;
and consequently, if their arrangement be normal, they will be either equal in num-
ber to the petals, and alternate with them, or, if more numerous, some regular mul-
tiple of the petals.
309. If they are twice the number of petals, two whorls arc considered to be de-
veloped ; and so on.
310. If they are equal in number to the petals, and opposite them, it is to be un-
derstood that the innermost only of the two whorls is developed, the outermost being
abortive.
311. All deviations from these laws are due to the abortion of some part of the
stamens; Ex. Lamium, Hippuris.
312. When the stamens do not contract any union with the sides of the calyx,
they are hypogynous ; Ex. Ranunculus.
313. When they contract adhesion with the sides of the calyx, they become pe-
rigynous ; Ex. Rose.
314. If they are united both with the surface of the calyx and of the ovarium,
they are epigynous ; Ex. Umbellifera?.
315. The filaments (303) are either distinct or united by their margins. If they
are united in one tube, they are called monadelphous ; Ex. Malva: if in two par-
cels, diadelphous ; Ex. Pea : if in several, polyadelphous ; Ex. Hypericum.
316. When they are united in a solid body, along with the style, they form what
is called a column, and are said to be gynandrous.
317. The filament is not essential to a stamen, and is, in fact, often absent.
318. The anther is the limb of the stamen, forming within its substance, and
finally emitting, a matter called pollen.
319. The two sides of the anther are called its lobes ; and the solid substance
which connects them, and which is in fact a continuation of the filament, as the mid-
rib of a leaf is of the petiole, is named the connectivum.
320. The cavities of the anther containing the pollen are the cells, and the
place by which the pollen is emitted is the point or line of dehiscence ; the mem-
branous sides of the anther are named the valves.
321. Dehiscence usually takes place along a line, which may be considered to
indicate the margin of the limb out of which the anther is formed ; Ex. Rose.
322. Sometimes a portion only of this line opens, and then the anther is said to
dehisce by pores ; Ex. Azalea.
323. If the line of dehiscence occupies both margins of the connectivum, and not
1he centre of the lobes, the anther opens by one valve instead of two, which is then
hinged by its upper edge ; Ex. Berberry.
324. The cells of the anther are usually two in number : sometimes they are
four ; Ex. Tetratheca : rarely one ; Ex. Epacris : and still more rarely several ;
Ex. Raffiesia.
325. The number of cells appears to be determined by no certain rule.
326. The anthers frequently grow together by their margins ; Ex. Composites.
Such anthers are called syngenesious.
327. The Pollen is formed by a peculiar modification of the cellules of the paren-
chyma of the anther.
328. That part of the central cellular tissue of the anther which is not converted
into pollen, serves to connect the granules together, in the form of a tenacious
-fibrous web ; Ex. Oenothera, Orchis.
XXV111 FIRST PRINCIPLES
329. Pollen consists of vesicles or granules of cellular tissue, enclosing a mucous
substance, in which an iniinite number of exceedingly minute molecular bodies,
having a power of active motion, is contained.
330. The function of the pollen is to vivify the ovula (344).
331. For this purpose a granule of pollen which has fallen upon the stigma bursts,
and emits the mucus it contains, along with the active molecules floating in it.
332. This mucus passes down the intercellular passages of the stigma and style,
and is finally conducted into the ovulum, through its foramen (408).
333. In plants the ovula of which have no pericarpial covering (425), as Coni-
fers?, the molecules of the pollen are communicated to the ovulum without the inter
vention of any form of tissue.
334. Each molecule produces one embryo, and usually but one is developed in
each ovulum ; but sometimes two or more accidentally develope, and then a seed
contains several embryos, as the Orange, the Onion, the Mistletoe.
XIII. DISK.
335. Whatever intervenes between the stamens and the pistillum receives the ge-
neral name of disk.
336. It usually consists of an annular elevation, encompassing the base of the
ovarium, when it is sometimes called the cup ; Ex. Peeony.
337. Or it appears in the form of a glandular lining of the tube of the calyx ; Ex.
Rose : or of tooth-like, hypogynous (312), processes ; Ex. Gesneria, Cruciferss :
or of a fleshy mass, upon which the ovaria appear to be seated ; Ex. Lamium.
338. It is certain that the disk is sometimes a non-developement of an inner row
or rows of stamens, as is proved by the Moutan Peeony ; and it is probable that
such is generally its nature.
339. But it is also probable that the disk is sometimes a mere cellular expansion
of the torus (300), as in Nelumbium.
340. The disk is one of the parts which Linnsean botanists call nectary.
XIV. PISTILLUM.
341. The organ which occupies the centre of a flower, within the stamens, and
disk, if the latter be present, is called the pistillum.
342. It is the fruit-bearing apparatus of flowering plants.
343. It is distinguished into three parts, viz. the ovarium, the style, and the
stigma.
344. The ovarium is a hollow case, enclosing ovula (354). It contains one or
more cavities, called cells.
345. The stigma is the upper extremity of the pistillum.
346. The style is the part that connects the ovarium and stigma.
347. The style is frequently absent, and is no more essential to a pistillum than a
petiole to a leaf, or a filament to an anther.
348. Sometimes the style is thin, flat, and membranous, and assumes the form of
a petal, as in Iris.
349. The style is either articulated with the ovarium, or continuous with it. It
usually proceeds directly from the apex of the ovarium ; but in some cases arises
from the side, or even the base of that organ ; Ex. Alchemilla, Chrysobalaneae.
350. Nothing is, properly speaking, stigma, except the secreting surface of the
style. Nevertheless, the name is often inaccurately applied to mere divisions of the
style, as in Labiata? : or to the hairy surface of undivided styles, as in Lathyrus.
351. Sometimes the stigmas grow to the face of the anthers, which form them-
selves into a solid mass ; Ex. Asclepias. In this case the styles remain separate.
352. The pistillum is either the modification of a single leaf, or of one or more
whorls of modified leaves.
353. Such modified leaves are called carpella.
354. A Carpellum is formed by a folded leaf, the upper surface of which is
turned inwards, the lower outwards, and the margins of which develope one or a
greater number of buds, which are the ovula.
355. When the carpella are stalked, they arc said to be seated upon a theca-
phore, or gynophore ; Ex. Cleome, Passiflora. Their stalk is analogous to the
petiole of a leaf.
356. The ovarium is the lamina of the leaf.
OF HOT A \ \ . WIS
357. The style is an elongation of the midrib (174).
358. The stigma is the denuded, secreting, humid apex of the midrib.
350. Where the margins of the folded leaf, out of which the carpellum is formed,
meet and unite, a copious developement of cellular tissue takes place, forming
what is called the placenta.
.'WO. Every placenta is therefore composed of two parts, one of which belongs to
one margin of the carpellum, and one to the other.
361. As the carpella are modified leaves, they necessarily obey the laws of ar-
rangement of leaves, and are therefore developed round a common axis.
362. And as they are leaves folded inwards, their margins are necessarily turned
towards the axis. The placenta, therefore, being formed by the union of those
margins, will be invariably next the axis.
363. So that if a whorl of several carpella unite and constitute a pistillum, the
placentae of that pistillum will be all in the axis.
364. The normal position of the carpella is alternate with the innermost row of
stamens to which they are also equal in number ; but this symmetry of arrangement
is constantly destroyed by the abortion or non-developement of part of the car-
pella.
365. The carpella often occupy several whorls, in which case they are usually
distinct from each other; Ex. Ranunculus, Fragaria, Rosa.
366. Sometimes, notwithstanding their occupying more than one whorl, they all
unite in a single pistillum ; Ex. Nicotiana multivalvis> Monstrous Citrons. In these
cases the placenta; of the innermost whorl of carpella occupy the axis, while those
of the exterior carpella are united with the backs of the inner ones, as must neces-
sarily happen inconsequence of the invariable direction of the placenta? towards the
axis.
367. When the carpella are arranged round a convex receptacle (263), the exte-
rior ones will be lowest ; Ex. Fragaria.
368. But if they occupy the surface of a tube, or are placed upon a concave re-
ceptacle, the exterior ones will be uppermost ; Ex. Rosa.
369. This law will explain the structure of some anomalous pistilla, in which the
carpella are united into a confused mass ; Ex. the Pomegranate.
370. Notwithstanding the formation of the placenta out of the two united margins
of a leaf, it often does not indicate any trace of such an origin ; but, in consequence
of non-developement, is sometimes reduced to a single point, bearing a single
ovulum.
371. When the placentiferous margin is fully and regularly developed, it occu-
pies a line running down the inside of the cavity of a carpellum, and bears two dis-
tinct rows of ovula.
372. If that part of the margin which is placentiferous is so small as to bear but
a very few ovula at or towards the upper part of the line of union, the ovula will
hang downwards within the cavity of the carpellum, and be either pendulous or sns-
pended.
373. And if the placentiferous part of the margin be only at the lower part of the
line of union, the ovula will take a direction upwards into the cavity, and be either
erect or ascending.
374. Whenever two carpella are developed, they are invariably opposite each
other, and never side by side. This happens in consequence of the law of alternate
opposition of leaves (160).
375. When carpella unite, those parts of their sides which are contiguous grow
together, and form partitions between the cavities of the carpella.
376. These partitions are called dissepiments.
377. Each dissepiment is therefore formed of two layers. But these often grow
together so intimately as to form but one layer.
378. Such being the origin of the dissepiments, it follows that,
a. All dissepiments are vertical, and never horizontal:
b. They are uniformly equal in number to the carpella out of which the pistillum
is formed :
c. Thny proceed directly from the placentas :
d. They are alternate with placenta; formed by the cohesion of the margins of the
same carpellum, and' opposite placenta? formed by the cohesion of the contiguous
margins of different carpella:
e. A single carpellum can have no dissepiment whatever.
XXX FIRST PRINCIPI.i
379. It will also be apparent, that as the stigma must bear the same relation to
the dissepiments as the point of the leaf to the sides of the lamina, the stigma will
always be alternate with (between) the dissepiments.
380. When the dissepiments of a many-celled pistillum are contracted so as
not to separate the cavity into a number of distinct cells, but merely project into a
cavity, the placentae, which occupy the edges of these dissepiments, become what
is called parietal ; Ex. Poppy.
381. If the dissepiments af a many-celled pistillum are abortive or obliterated,
the placenta? remaining unaltered in the axis, a free central placenta is formed.
382. A one-celled ovarium may also be formed out of several carpella, in conse-
quence of the obliteration of dissepiments ; Ex. Nut.
383. All dissepiments whose position is at variance with the foregoing laws are
spurious.
384. Spurious dissepiments derive their origin from various causes, and may
have either a vertical or horizontal position.
385. When they are horizontal they are called phragmata, and are formed by the
distension of the placenta ; Ex. Cathartocarpus Fistula.
380. If vertical, they either are projections from the back of the carpellum, as
in Amelanchier and Thespesia ; or they are caused by modifications of the pla-
centa1, as in Martynia, Didymocarpus, Cruciferre.
387. Sometimes the apex of the pedicel extends beyond the base of the carpella,
rising up between them, and either forming an adhesion with the styles, as in Gera-
nium, or a central distinct axis as in Euphorbia.
388. This elongation of the apex of the pedicel is more apparent in the fruit
than in the pistillum. It is analogous to the cellular apex of the spadix (259) of
Arum.
389. The styles of different carpella frequently grow together into a solid cylin-
der ; Ex. Lilium. There are various degrees of union between the styles.
390. The style is incorrectly said to be divided in different ways, in consequence
of this adhesion.
391. If the ovarium adheres to the sides of the calyx it is called inferior, and
the calyx is said to be superior ; Ex. Apple.
392. If it contracts no adhesion with the sides of the calyx, it is called superior,
and the calyx inferior.
XV. OVULUM.
393. The Ovulum is a body borne by the placenta (359), and destined to become
a seed (409.)
394. It is to the carpellum (353) what the marginal buds are to leaves (154).
395. It does not, however, appear to bear any other analogy to a bud than what
is indicated by its position.
390. The ovulum is usually enclosed within an ovarium (344) ; but in Conifera?
and Cycadeaj it is destitute of any covering, and is exposed, naked, to the influence
of the pollen.
397. It is either sessile, or attached by a little stalk called the funiculus, or »o-
dosperm. The point of union of the funiculus and ovulum is the base of the lat-
ter, and the opposite extremity is its apex.
398. It consists of two sacs, one enclosed within the other, and of a vvch <us
within the sacs.
399. These sacs arc called the primine and secundine.
100. The primine, secundine, and nucleus, arc all connected with each other by
a perfect continuity of tissue, at some point of their surface.
401. When the parts of the ovulum undergo no alteration of position during
their growth, the two sacs and the nucleus are all connected at the base (397) of the
ovulum.
402. And then the base of the nucleus and that of the ovulum are in immediate
connexion with each other.
403. But the relative position of the sacs and the base of the ovulum are often
entirely altered during the growth of the latter, so that it frequently happens that
the point of union of the sacs and the nucleus is at the apex (397) of the ovulnm.
404. And then the base of the nucleus is at the apex of the ovulum.
OF BOTANY. XXXI
405. In such cases, a vascular connexion is maintained between the base of
the ovulum and the base of the nucleus, by means of a bundle of vessels called a
raphe.
406. The normal position of this raphe is on the side of the ovulum, next the pla-
centa.
407. The expansion of the raphe, where it communicates with the base of the
nucleus, gives rise to the part of the seed called the chalaza (491).
408. The mouths of the primine and secundine usually contract into a small
aperture called the foramen of the ovulum, or the exostome.
409. The apex of the nucleus is always applied to this foramen.
410. In consequence of the ralation the base of the nucleus bears to the base of
the ovulum, the foramen will be at the apex of the ovulum when the two bases
correspond, and at the base of the ovulum when the two bases are diametrically op-
posite.
411. It is through this foramen that the impregnating molecules of the pollen are
introduced into the nucleus (332).
412. The foramen indicates the future position of the radicle of the embryo (492) ;
the radicle being always next the foramen. This is a fact of great importance in
practical Botany.
413. From some recent observations, it appears that the nucleus consists of
three coats ; the outer called the tercine, the next the quart hie, and the most inte-
rior the quintine.
414. But these are not always distinguishable, and part of them is usually ab-
sorbed during the advance of the ovulum to the state of a seed.
415. The tercine and quartine are finally converted into albumen (494) ; the quin-
tine becomes the sac of the embryo (501), whenever that sac is distingishable ; Ex.
Nympham.
416. The nucleus contains a pulpy mass called the liquor amnios, which is sup-
posed to be the substance from which the embryo absorbs its nutriment during its
growth.
XVI. FRUIT.
417. The Fruit, in the strictest sense of the word, is the pistillum arrived at
maturity. But the term is also applied to the pistillum and floral envelopes taken
together, when they are all united in one uniform mass.
418. Hence, whatever is the structure of the pistillum, the same should be the
structure of the fruit.
419. But in the course of the advance of the pistillum towards maturity, many al-
terations take place, in consequence of abortion, non-developement, obliteration, and
union of parts.
420. Whenever the fruit contains any thing at variance with the laws that govern
the structure of the pistillum, the latter should be examined for the purpose of elu-
cidation.
421. Sometimes a pistillum with several cells produced a fruit with but one ;
Ex. the Hazel-nut and Cocoa-nut. This arrises from the obliteration of part of the
cells.
422. Or a pistillum, consisting of one or two cells, changes to a fruit having
several : the cause of this is a division and doubling of the placentary divisions ;
Ex. Martynia : or the expansion of portions of the placenta ; Ex. Cathartocarpus
Fistula.
423. As the fruit is the maturation of the pistillum, it ought to indicate upon ils
surface some traces of a style : and this is true in all cases, except Cycadeae and
Conifers?, which have no ovarium.
424. Hence the grains of corn, and many other bodies that resemble seeds, hav-
ing traces of the remains of a style, cannot be seeds, but are minute fruits.
425. That part which was the ovarium in the pistillum becomes the pericarpium
in the fruit.
426. The Pericarpium consists of three parts, the outer coating called the epi-
carp, the inner lining called the endocarp or putamen, and the intermediate sub-
stances named the sarcocarp.
427. Sometimes these three parts are all readily distinguished ; Ex. the Peach ,
frequently they form one uniform substance ; Ex. a Nut.
428. The base of the fruit is the part where it is joined to the peduncle. The
apex is where the remains of the style are found.
XXX11 FIRST PRINCIPLES
429. The axis of the fruit is often called columella; the space where two car-
pella unite is named the commissure.
430. All fruits which are mere modifications of a single carpellary leaf (354) have
always a suture corresponding with the junction of the margins, or with the placentae,
and often another corresponding with the midrib of the carpellary leaf: the former
is called the ventral, the latter the dorsal suture.
431. If the pericarp neither splits nor opens when ripe, it is said to be indehis-
cent ; if it does not split or open, it is said to dehisce, or to be dehiscent ; and the
pieces into which it splits are called the valves.
432. The dehiscence of the pericarp takes place in different ways.
433. If it takes place longitudinally, or vertically, so that the line of dehiscence
corresponds with the junction of the carpella, the dissepiments are divided, the cells
remain closed at the back, and the dehiscence is called septicidal; Ex. Rho-
dodendron.
434. Formerly, botanists said that in this kind of dehiscence the valves were
alternate with the dissepiment : or, that the valves had their margin turned
inwards.
435. If it takes place vertically, so that the line of dehiscence corresponds with
the dorsal suture (430), the dissepiments remain united, the cells are opened at
their back, and the dehiscence is called loculicidal ; Ex. Lilac, Lily.
430. Formerly it was said that in this kind of dehiscence, the dissepiments were
opposite the valves.
437. When a separation in the pericarpium takes place across the cells horizon-
tally, the dehiscence is transverse ; Ex. Anagallis.
438. If the dehiscence is effected by partial openings of the pericarpium, it is
said to take place by pores ; Ex. Poppy.
439. Sometimes the cells remain closed, separating from the axis, formed by the
extension of the peduncle (387) ; Ex. Umbellifene, Euphorbia.
440. Or the cells open and separate from the axis, which is formed by a cohesion
of the placentae which separate from the dissepiments ; Ex. Rhododendron.
441. Sometimes the dissepiments cohere at the axis, and separate from the valves
(431) or back of the carpella; Ex. Convolvulus.
442. All fruits are either simple or multiple.
443. Simple fruits proceed from a single flower ; Ex. Pu3ony, Apple, Nut, Straw-
berry.
444. Multiple fruits are formed out of several flowers ; Ex. Fir, Pine-apple, Fig.
They are masses of inflorescence in a state of adhesion.
445. Simple fruits are either the maturation of a single carpellum (354), or of a
pistillum formed by the union of several carpella (363).
446. Of fruit formed of a single carpellum, the most important are the Follicle
(447), Legume (448), Drupe (451), Akenium (452), Caryopsis (454), and Utricle
(455). r
447. The Follicle is a carpellum dehiscing by the ventral suture, and having no
dorsal suture ; Ex. Pscony.
448. The Legume is a carpellum having both a ventral and dorsal suture, and
dehiscing by both, either, or neither; Ex. Pea.
449. The two sutures of a legume sometimes form what is called a replum; Ex.
Carmichselia.
450. When articulations take place across the legumen, and it falls into several
pieces, it is said to be lomentaccous ; Ex. Ornithopus.
451. The Drupe differs from the follicle in being indeliiscont, and in its pericar-
pium having a distinct separation of cpicarp (426), sarcocarp, and endocarp ; Ex. ;i
Peach.
452. The Akenium is an indehiscent, bony, one-seeded pericarpium, which does
not contract any degree of adhesion with the integrnent of the seed ; Ex. Straw-
berry.
453. It is a drupe, the pericarp of which docs not separate into three layers.
454. The Caryopsis is an indehiscent, membranous, one-seeded pericarpiun),
which adheres firmly to the integument of the seed ; Ex. Corn.
455. Utricle is a caryopsis, the pericarpium of which has no adhesion with the
integuments of the seed ; Ex. Eleusine, Chenopodiiun.
OF BOTANY. XXXtii
456. Of fruit formed of several carpella, the principal are the Capsule (457), Sili-
nua (458), Nut or Gland (460), Berry (461), Orange (462), Pome (463), and Pepo
(464).
457. The Capsule is a many-celled, dry, dehiscent pericarpium ; Ex. Poppy,
Lychnis.
458. The Siliqua consists of two (or four V) carpella fastened together, the pla-
centae of which are parietal, and separate from the valves, remaining in the form of a
replum (449), and connected by a membranous expansion; Ex. Brassica.
459. When the siliqua is very short, or broader than it is long, it is called a
Silicula.
460. The Nut or Gland is a dry, bony, indehiscent, one-celled fruit, proceeding
from a pistillum of three cells, and enclosed in an envolucrum called a cupula; Ex.
the Hazel, Acorn. It is a sort of compound achenium.
461. The Berry is a succulent fruit, the seeds of which lose their adhesion when
ripe, and lie loose in pulp ; Ex. a Gooseberry, a Grape.
462. The Orange is a berry having a pericarpium separable into an epicarp,
an endocarp, and a sarcocarp, and the cells filled with pulpy bags, which are cellular
extensions of the sides of the cavity.
463. The Pome is a union of two or more inferior carpella, the pericarpium being
fleshy, and formed of the floral envelope and ovarium firmly united ; Ex. an Apple.
464. The Pepo is composed of about three carpella, the sides of which do not
turn far inwards, nor the margins unite. It is a one-celled, fleshy, indehiscent fruit,
with parietal placentae ; Ex. Cucumber.
465. The most remarkable modifications of multiple fruits are, the Cone (466),
Pine-Apple (467), and Fig (468).
466. The Cone is an indurated amentum (260) ; Ex. Pinus. When it is much
reduced in size, and its scales firmly cohere, it is called a Galbulus ; Ex. Thuja.
467. The Pine-Apple is a spike of inferior flowers, which all grow together into
a fleshy mass.
468. The Fig is the fleshy, hollow, dilated apex of a peduncle, within which a
number of flowers are arranged, each of which contains an achenium.
XVII. SEED.
469. The Seed is the ovulum (393) arrived at maturity.
470. It consists of integuments (482), albumen (494), and embryo (502), and is
the result of the reciprocal action of the stamina and pistils.
471. As all seeds are matured ovula, and as all ovula are originally enclosed within
an ovarium, it is obvious that naked seeds cannot exist.
472. Cycadeae and Coniferae are the only exceptions to this (396).
473. But some ovula rupture the ovarium soon after they begin to advance towards
the state of seed, and thus become naked seeds ; Ex. Leontice. Others are imper-
fectly protected by the ovarium, the carpella not being perfectly closed up ; Ex.
Reseda.
474. The seed proceeds from the placenta (359), to which it is attached by the
funiculus (397).
475. Sometimes the funiculus, or the placenta, expands about the seed into a
fleshy body ; Ex. the Mace of a nutmeg, Euonymus. This expansion is named
arillus.
476. It is never developed until after the vivification of the ovulum, and must not
be confounded with tumours or dilatations of the integument of the seed.
477. Sometimes there are tumours of the testa near the hilum or at the opposite
end ; such are called Strophiolee or Caruncula.
478. The precise nature of these is unknown ; sometimes they are dilatations of
the chalaza ; Ex. Crocus : or they are caused by a fungous state of the lips of the
foramen ; Ex. Ricinus : or they arise from unknown causes.
479. The scar, which indicates the union of the seed with the placenta, is called
the hilum or umbilicus.
480. The hilum represents the base of the seed. The apex is determined by the
point where the vessels or tissue of the integuments concentrate.
481. Hence, in curved seeds the apex and base are frequently contiguous ; Ex.
Mignonette.
XXXIV FIRST PRINCIPLES
482. The integuments are called collectively testa, and consist of membranes,
resulting from the sacs of the ovulum (399).
483. Sometimes the testa is covered by hair-like expansions of its whole surface ;
as in the Cotton ; or these hairs occupy one or both ends, when they constitute
what is called the coma. This must not be confounded with the pappus (283).
484. Some of these occasionally grow together, so that seeds are sometimes
apparently enclosed in but one or two membranes.
485. In the seed these membranes are called by various names, of which the
most frequently used are spermoderm or testa, for the primine ; mesosperm, for the
secundine ; and endopleura for the other.
486. All that existed in the sacs of the embryo is to be found in the integuments
of the seed, but in a more developed stale.
487. The mouth of the foramen (408) is often distinctly visible, and is named the
micropyle. Ex. Pea.
488. The raphe (405) occupies one side of the seed in all cases in which it pre-
existed in the primine ; but it frequently becomes much ramified.
489. The raphe is in no way connected with impregnation ; its functions being
apparently confined to maintaining a vascular connexion between the placenta and
the base of the nucleus, for the purpose of nourishing the latter.
490. Spiral vessels are found in the raphe and its ramifications.
491. Where the vessels of the raphe expand into the mesosperm (485), the cha-
laza (407) appears as a discoloured thickening of the integuments.
492. The micropyle always indicates the point in the circumference of a seed
towards which the radicle (412) points.
493. And the chalaza is as constant an indication, when it is present, of the situ-
ation of the cotyledons (503) ; it being always at that part of the circumference
opposite the radicle.
494. Between the integuments and the embryo of some plants lies a substance
called the albumen or perisperm.
495. It consists of a peculiar substance deposited during the growth of the ovu-
lum among the cellular tissue of the nucleus (398).
496. Care must be taken not to confound a thickening of the endopleura (485),
with the real albumen ; Ex. Cathartocarpus Fistula. It is probable that this is
often done by botanists, especially in regard to plants belonging to tribes usually
destitute of albumen.
497. When the cellular tissue of the nucleus combines with the deposited matter
so completely as to form together but one substance, the albumen is called solid.
Ex. Wheat, Euphorbia. When a portion of the tissue remains unconverted, the
albumen is ruminated. Ex. Anona, Nutmeg.
498. Albumen is usually wholesome, and may be frequently eaten with impunity
in the most dangerous tribes. Ex. Euphorbiaceae.
499. The organized body that lies within the seed, and for the purpose of protect-
ing and nourishing which the seed was created, is the Embryo.
500. The embryo was originally included within the most interior membrane of
the ovulum.
501. This is usually absorbed or obliterated during the advance of the embryo to
maturity ; but it sometimes remains surrounding the ripe embryo, in the form of a
sac, which is called Vitellus. Ex. Saururus, Piper.
502. The embryo consists of the cotyledons (503), the radicle (505), the plumula
(504), and the neck (506).
503. The cotyledons represent the undeveloped leaves.
504. The plumula or gemmula, is the nascent ascending axis (60).
505. The radicle is the rudiment of the descending axis (60).
506. The neck (Collet, Fr.) is the line of separation between the radicle and the
cotyledons.
507. The space that intervenes between the neck and the base of the cotyledons
is called the cauliculus (Tigelle, Fr.)
508. The embryo is usually solitary in the seed, but occasionally there are two or
several (334).
509. When several embryos are produced within a single seed, it sometimes hap-
pens that two of these embryos grow together, in which case a production analogous
to animal dicephalous monsters is formed.
OP BOTANY. XXXV
510. The number of cotyledons varies from one to several. The most common
number is either one or two. In the latter case, they are always directly opposite
each other.
511. Plants that have but one cotyledon, or if two, then the cotyledons alternate
with each other, are called Monocotyledonous.
512. Plants that have two opposite each other, or a greater number placed in a
whorl, are called Dicotyledonous.
513. Endogenous plants are monocotyledonous.
514. Exogenous plants are dicotyledonous.
515. Plants that have no cotyledons are said to be Acotyledonous. But this
term is usually applied only to cellular plants, which, having no stamina and pistils,
can have no seeds (470,393). Those seeds of flowering plants, which appear to have
no cotyledons, owe their appearance to the cotyledons being consolidated ; Ex.
Cuscuta, Lecythis, Olynthia.
516. The plumula is very often latent, until it is called into action by the germina-
tion of the seed. Sometimes it is undistinguishable from the cotyledons ; sometimes
it is highly developed, and lies in a furrow of the cotyledon ; Ex. Maize. In the
monocotyledonous embryo it frequently happens that the plumula is rolled up in the
cotyledon, the margins of which grow together, so that the whole embryo forms one
uniform mass ; but as soon as germination commences the parts separate.
517. The radicle elongates downwards, either directly from the base of the em-
bryo, or after previously rupturing the integument of the base. Plants with the
first character are called Exorhiz.e ; with the second, Endorhiz^:.
518. The endorhizous embryo is very common in monocotyledons ; the exorhizous
in dicotyledons. The characters of the radicle are, however, far from being con-
stant in those great divisions of the vegetable kingdom.
519. The direction of the embryo, with respect to the seed, will depend upon the
relation that the integuments, the raphe, chalaza, hilum, and micropyle, bear to each
other.
520. If the nucleus be inverted, the embryo will be erect, or or thotropous. Ex.
Apple.
521. If the nucleus be erect, the embryo will be inverted, or antitropous. Ex.
Nettle.
522. If the micropyle is at neither end of the seed, the embryo will be neither
erect nor inverted, but will be in a more or less oblique direction with respect to the
seed ; Ex. Primrose ; and is said to be heterotropous.
523. When the seed is called into action, germination takes place. The juices
of which before were insipid, immediately afterwards abound with sugar ; Ex. Bar-
ley ; and growth commences.
524. This growth is in the first instance caused by the absorption of water by the
seed, and by the expulsion of superfluous carbon by the cotyledons, in the form of
carbonic acid gas.
XVIII. FLOWERLESS PLANTS.
525. Many plants, not being increased by seeds, the result of the mutual action of
the stamina and pistils (470), are flowerless, or destitute of organs of fructification.
526. Such are propagated by what are called organs of reproduction, which have
no other analogy with the organs of fructification than that both perpetuate the
species.
527. The reproductive organs of flowerless plants vary according to the tribes of
that division of the vegetable kingdom, and have so little relation to each other,
that each principal tribe may be said to have its own peculiar method of propa-
gation.
528. The principal tribe are Ferns, (529), Mosses (535), Lichens (541), Alga
(542), and Fungi (543).
529. Ferns are increased by little bodies called sporules, enclosed within cases
named thecce, which often grow in clusters or sori, from the veins of the under
sides of the leaves, or from beneath the cuticle. The latter, when it encloses the
thecce, is termed the indusium.
530. The indusium separates from the leaf in various ways, in consequence of
the growth of the thecae beneath it.
531. The thecal have frequently a stalk which passes up one side, and finally,
curving with their curvature, disappears on the opposite side.
XXXVI FIRST PRINCIPLES OF BOTANY.
532. The part where the stock of the theca is united with its side is called the
annulus.
533. These theca? may be considered minute leaves, having the same gyrate
mode of developement as the ordinary leaves of the tribe ; their stalk the petiole,
the annulus the midrib, and the theca itself the lamina, the edges of which are
united.
534. They would therefore be analogous to carpella, if it appeared that they were
influenced by the action of any vivifying matter.
535. Mosses are increased by sporules (529), contained within an urn or theca,
placed at the apex of a stalk or seta, bearing on its summit a kind of loose hood,-
called a calyptra, and closed by a lid or operculum.
536. The inside of the theca has a central axis or columella, and the orifice be-
neath the operculum is closed by teeth-like processes, or a membrane, called the
peristomium.
537. The number of the teeth of the peristomium is always some multiple of four.
538. The calyptra originally grew from the base of the stalk ; but when the stalk
elongated, the calyptra was torn away from its base, and carried up, surrounding the
theca.
539. The calyptra may be understood to be a convolute leaf; the operculum,
another ; the peristomium, one or more whorls of minute flat leaves ; and the theca
itself to be the excavated distended apex of the stalk, the cellular substance of which
separates in the form of sporules.
540. There are also in mosses organs, called anthers by some, which do not ap-
pear analogous to the stamina of flowering plants, and the nature of which has
not been demonstrated.
541. Lichens are propagated by sporules, included within little membranous
cases, which lie within a denuded portion of their own central substance, called the
scutellum, apothecium, or shield.
542. Alg^: increase by sporules, which are usually formed by a separation of cel-
lular tissue, within the substance of the plants themselves.
543. Fungi have a similar mode of propagation. In some of the most highly de-
veloped of the tribe, the part in which the sporules lie is distinct in appearance from
the rest, and called the hymenium.
INDEX TO THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF BOTANY.
N. B. The Numbers refer to the Paragraphs.
Accessory principles, 215
Acotyledons, 515
Achlamydeous, 285
Aculei, 140
Advcntitous leaf-buds, 153
^Estivation, 301
Aigrette, 283
Air-vessels, 35
Akenium, 452
Albumen, 415, 494
Alburnum, 101
Alchemilla, 349
Alga;, 62, 542
Amentum, 260
Amelanchier, 386
Anagallis, 437
Anamorphosis, 48
Annulus, 532
Anona, 497
Anther, 303, 318
Antitropous, 521
Apex oi seed, 480
Apex of fruit, 428
Apex of ovulum, 397
Apple, 391, 443, 463, 520
Arillus, 475
Arum, 232, 388
Ascending-, 373
Ascidium, 169
Asclepias, 351
Apocynea;, 186
Apothecium, 541
Asparagus, 127
Axillary, 255
Axis, 52
Axis of fruit, 429
Azalea, 322, 433
Azote, 5
Bamboo, 128
Bark, 102
Barley, 523
Base of ovulum, 397
Base of seed, 480
Base of fruit, 428
Bastrohren, 19
Berberry, 323
Berry, 461
Bourgeon, 142
Bouton, 143
Bracteola;, 229
Bractea, 229
Brassica, 458
Bryophyllum, 192
Bulbous root, 157
Bulb, 157
Calyptra, 525
Calyx, 280, 290
Cambium, 116
Capitulum, 261
Capsule, 457
Carbon, 5
Carpellum, 354
Carmichrelia, 449
Carrot, 233
Caruncula, 477
Caryopsis, 453
Catnartocarpus Fistula, 385
422
Cauliculus, 507
Cells, 320
Cellular tissue, 7
Cellular tissue, muriform,
113
Cellulares, 28
Centripetal, 268
Centrifugal, 269
Chalaza,"491, 407
Chenopodium, 454
Chrysobalanea?, 349
Citrons, monstrous, 366
Clostres, 19
Cleome, 355
Cocoa-nut, 421
Collet, 60, 506
Cotton, 483
Column, 316
Columella, 429, 536
Cone, 466
Conifers;, 31, 175, 333, 396,
423
Cormus, 132
Corn, 453
Corolla, 281, 291
Corymb, 264
Connectivum, 319
Convolvulus, 441
Coma, 483
Commissure, 429
Composite, 326
Compound, 273
Compound leaf, 181
Compound organs, 50
Cotyledons, 503
Crucifera:, 337, 3S6
Creeping root, 131
Cucumber, 464
Cup, 336
Cupula, 460
Cuscuta, 515
Cuticle, 38
Cycadew, 31, 175, 396, 423
Cyme, 267
Daisy, 233
Dehiscence, 321
Dehiscence of fruit, 431
Diadelphous, 315
Dicotyledons, 512
Didymocarpus, 386
Dissepiments, 376
Dorsal suture, 430*
Drupe, 451
Ducts, 29
Eleusine, 454
Embryo, 54, 499
Endocarp, 426
Endogenous, 80
Endorhiza, 517
Endopleura, 485
Epacris, 324
Epicarp, 426
Epidermis, 42, 105
Epigynous, 314
Epiphyllous, 252
Erect, 373
Eschscholtzia, 288
Etiolation, 225
Euphorbia, 387, 439, 497
Euphorbiaceae, 498
Exogenous, 80, 81
Exostome, 408
Exorhiza;, 517
Extra-axillary, 252
Expansion, 247
Fall of the leaf, 189
Fausses trachees, 29
Ferns, 529
Fig, 444, 468
Filament, 303, 315
Fir, 444
Floral leaf, 229
Floral envelopes, 227, 277
Foramen, 408
Folwer-bud, 143, 227
Food, 198 _
Foreign principles, 216
Fragaria!, 365, 367
Fruit, 417
Follicle, 447
Fungi, 543
Funiculus, 397
Galbulus, 466
Gemmula, 504
Gemmation, 191
Geranium, 387
Gesneria, 337
XXXV111
IN HEX.
Gland, 460
Glumes, 237
Gooseberry, 461
Grape, 463
Gynandrous, 316
Gynophore, 355
Hairs, 193
Hairs, lymphatic, 194
Hairs, secreting, 195
Hazel, 431,460
Heart-wood, 100
Heterotropous, 522
Hilum, 479
Hippuris, 311
Hydrogen, 5
Hypericum, 315
Hypogynous, 312
Hymenium, 543
Indusium, 529
Inferior calyx, 392
Inferior ovarium, 391
Inflorescence, 247
Iris, 348
Irritability, 204
Intercellular passages, 1 1
Internodia, 137
Involucrum, 233
Labiatse, 350
Lamina, 171
Lamium, 31 1, 337
Lathyrus, 350
Leaves, 158
Leaf-b ids, 55, 142
Lecythis, 515
Legume, 448
Lenticular glands, 35
Leontice, 473
Liber 104
Lichens, 541
Lilac, 435
Lilium, 389, 435
Limb, 287, 295
Lime-tree, 180
Liquor amnios, 416
Lobes, 319
Loculicidal, 435
Lomentaceous, 450
Lychnis, 457
Maize, 516
Malaxis, paludosa, 19?
Malva, 315
Martynia, 386, 422
Medullary rays or plates,
113
Medullary sheath, 86
Mesosperm, 485
Micropyle, 487
Midrib, 174
Mignonette, 481
Mimosa, 181
Mistletoe, 334
Monadelphous, 31 5
Monocotyledons, 511
Monopetalous, 291
Monophyllous, 290
Monosepalous, 290
Moutan, 338
Mosses, 535
Mucilage, 214
Multiple fruit, 442
Naked, 285
Naked seeds, 471
Neck, 60, 506
Nectaries, 299, 340
Nettle, 521
Nelumbium, 339
Nicotiana multivalvis, 366
Nodi, 136
Nucleus, 398
Nut, 382, 427, 443, 460
Nymphs, 304
CEnothera, 328
Olynthia, 515
Onion, 334
Operculum, 535
Opposite the leaves, 252
Orane-e, 181, 334, 462
Orchis, 328
Ornithopus, 450
Orthotropous, 520
Ovarium, 344
Ovulum, 354, 393
Oxygen, 5
Pseony, 254, 336, 443, 447
Palm, 128, 180
Palea;, 235, 237
Panicle, 265
Pappus, 283, 483
Parenchyma, 7, 13, 15
Parietal, 380
Papilionaceous, 294
Passiflora, 355
Pea, 315, 448, 487
Peach, 427, 451
Pear, monstrous, 144
Pedicel, 240
Peduncle, 239
Perianthium, 284
Pericarpium, 426
Perigonium, 284
Peristomium, 536
Perisperm, 494
Peno, 464
Petals, 291
Petiole, 165
Petiolar, 252
Perigynous, 313
Pendulous, 372
Phragmata, 385
Phyllodium, 168
Pine Apple, 444, 467
Pinus, 466
Piper, 501
Pitcher, 169
Pistillum, 341
Pith, 82
Placenta, 359
Plumula, 504
Podosperm, 397
Pollen, 318, 327
Pome, 463
Pomegranate, 369
Polyadelphous, 315
Polypetalous, 291
Polysepalous, 290
Poppy, 380, 433, 457
Pores, 322
Prickles, 140
Primrose, 522
Primine, 399
Praifloration, 301
Proper juice, 205
Proper vessels, 35
Proliferous Ferns, 192
Prosenchyma, 14, 16
Proximate principles,
215
Pulp, 7
Putamen, 426
Quartine, 413
Quintine, 413
Rachis, 240
Radicle, 505
Rafflesia, 324
Ranunculus, 312, 365
Raphe, 405, 488
Raceme, 256
Reseda, 473
Receptacle 263, 300
Regular leaf-buds, 146
Replutn, 449
Reservoirs of oil, 35
Rhizoma, 131
Rhododendron, 440
Rhubarb, 187
Ricinus, 478
Root, 63
Rose, 313, 321. 337, 365,
368
Ruminated, 497
Sac of the embryo, 415
Saftrohren, 29
Sarcocarp, 426
Saururus, 501
Scutellum, 541
Scales, 236
Scaly root, 134
Secretions, 198
Secundine, 399
Seeds, 54, 56, 469
Sepals, 290
Septicidal, 433
Seta, 535
Shields, 541
Silicula, 459
Siliqua, 458
Simple, 273
Simple fruit, 442
Sleep of plants, 204 c.
Sori, 529
Solitary, 254, 255
Spadix, 259
Spatha, 232
Spermoderm, 485
Spike, 257
Spine, 139
Spiral vessels, 23
Spiralgefasse, 23
Sporules, 529
Spurious dissepiments, 384
Stamens, 302
Strawberry, 443, 452
Stem, 67
.Stigma, 345
Stipulae, 183
Stomata, 44
Strophiolse, 477
Style, 346
Superior calyx, 391
Superior ovarium, 392
Sugar, 214
Suspended, 372
Syngenesious, 326
Tela cell ulosa, 7
Tendril, 170, 276
Terminal, 252, 254
Tctratheca, 324
Tercine, 413
Testa, 482, 485
Thccaphore, 355
21, Thespesia, 386
Theca:, 529
Thuja, 466
Thyrsus, 266
INDEX. jQcrix
Tigelle, 507 Unguis, 295 Vine, 276
Tissu cellulaire, 7 Unguiculate, 295 Vitellus, 501
- — cellulaire allonge, 19 Utricle, 454 Vrille,170
Torus, 300 Valves of fruit, 431 Water-plants, 36
Trachees, 23 Vasa fibrosa, 19 Walnut-tree, 36
Tube, 287 Vasa spiralia, 23 Wheat, 497
Tuber, 131 Vasculares, 28 Wood, 90
Umbel, 261 Ventral suture, 430 Woody fibre, 19
Umbelliferse, 314, 439 Vernation, 191 Zellgewebe, 7
Umbilicus, 479
AN INTRODUCTION
THE NATURAL SYSTEM
BOTANY.
PREFACE
The materials from which the following pages have been prepared
were originally collected for the private use of the Author, to remove the
inconvenience he constantly experienced from a necessity of referring
daily to rare, costly, and extensive publications, often to be found only in
the libraries of the wealthy. A belief that what was indispensable to
himself might also prove useful to the public, afterwards led to the com-
mencement of the present Work, the appearance of which has been acce-
lerated by the growing want of some Introduction to that method of inves-
tigating the productions of the Vegetable Kingdom, which, under the
name of the Natural System, has gradually displaced more popular classi-
fications, well adapted indeed to captivate the superficial inquirer, but
exercising so baneful an influence upon Botany, as to have rendered it
doubtful whether it even deserved a place among the sciences.
When the printing was commenced, we had no English Introduction
whatever to the subject of which it treats ; but, soon afterwards, a transla-
tion was published by Dr. Clinton, of the fourth edition of Richard's
Nouveaux Elemens dc la Botanique, in which much information is to
be found. Had this work appeared calculated to answer the purpose of
even a temporary Introduction, the matter now made public would have
still remained in the cabinet of the Author ; but the plan of M. Richard,
independently of other considerations, did not admit of so much detail as
seemed desirable, and was scarcely adapted to render the Natural System
of Botany popular in a country like Great Britain, where it has to contend
with a great deal of deeply-rooted prejudice.
Two principal objects require to be kept in view, in a scientific work
intended for common use : in the first place, there must be no sacrifice of
science to popularity ; but secondly, it is desirable that as much facility
be afforded the student as the nature of the subject will admit. In recon-
ciling these two apparently contradictory conditions lies the difficulty of
rendering an arrangement in Natural History which is not merely super-
lxiv PREFACE.
ficial, generally intelligible. To be understood by the mass of mankind,
it must be freed from all unnecessary technicalities, and must be essentially
founded upon such peculiarities as it requires no unusual powers of vision,
or of discrimination, to seize and apply : on the other hand, it is found by
experience, that unless it depends upon a consideration of every point of
structure, however numerous or various, however obscure or difficult of
access, it will not answer the end for which all classifications ought to be
designed, that of enabling the observer to judge of an unknown fact by a
known one, and to determine the mutual relations which one body or
being bears to another.
In attempting to steer a middle course, the Author is by no means satis-
fied that he shall be found to have attained the end he has proposed to
himself. Botany is a most extensive science, involving a hundred thou-
sand gradations of structure, with myriads of minor modifications, and
extending over half the organic world ; the anatomical structure of the
beings it comprehends is so minute, and their laws of life are so obscure,
as to elude the keenest sight and to baffle the subtlest reasoning : so that
to render it as easy of attainment as the world, misled by specious fallacies,
is apt to believe it to be, is hopeless. There are, however, no difficulties
so great but they may be diminished ; and even a determination of the
relation which one part of the animated world bears to another, may be
simplified by analysis, and an exposition of the principles upon which
such relations are to be judged of.
With this view, in the first place, the value of the characters of which
botanists make use are here carefully investigated, for the sake of pointing
out the relative importance of the principal modifications of structure in
the vegetable kingdom. In the second place, the characters of the orders
are analyzed by means of tables, in which the distinctive characters of each
are reduced to their simplest denomination. It is true that this kind of
analysis is attended by the evil of distracting attention from that general
and universal study of organization which the science demands, thus
having a manifest tendency to render the Natural System artificial ; and
that it is also apt to mislead the inexperienced or incautious observer, in
consequence of the many exceptions to which distinctive characters arc
frequently liable. But such evils are nothing compared with the confusion
and perplexity an unaided inquirer must experience in disentangling the
distinctions of orders for himself. It should also be borne in mind, that
analytical tables are mere artificial aids in investigation, to be abandoned
as soon as they cease to be indispensable. Many variations in the form
of such tables may be easily made ; and, in fact, the student cannot exer-
cise himself better than in contriving them for himself, as he may readily
do by beginning from some other point than that commenced with
here.
PREFACE. Xlv
The mode in which the tables of this book are to be employed will be
best explained by an example, the reader being supposed to be in j)osses-
sion of the preliminary knowledge which is afforded by the Introduc-
tion. Let a Cistus be the subject of inquiry. Upon examining the tables,
the first question which tbe student must ask himself is, Whether it belongs
to Vascular or Cellular plants, to Dicotyledons or Monocotyledons : the
structure of the leaves tells him this, and he decides for Dicotyledons. He
next inquires if it has the seeds naked or in a capsule ; and ascertaining
that the latter is the case, ha knows it belongs to Angiospermae. He then
finds it to be polypetalous, and that the stamens are hypogynous, or those
of the division called Thalamiflor*. Having proceeded thus far, he is led
to inquire whether the carpella are in a state of combination, or distinct ;
and finding the former to be the case, he sees that his plant is referable to
what are called Syncarpae, among Polypetalous Dicotyledons with hypo-
gynous stamens. Now the artificial divisions of this section are seen to
depend, in the first instance, upon the structure of the ovarium : that organ
is examined, and is found to be 1-celled, with the ovules parietal. Among
plants of this nature, the placentae are either linear and contracted, or
branched all over the surface of the valves ; there is no difficulty in ascer-
taining this point, and it is found that the plant in question has the former
character. Then comes an inquiry whether the sepals are 2, or invaria-
bly 4, or 5 (occasionally varying to 4, 6, or 7) ; they are found to be 5 ;
and here the analysis is reduced to the decision between whether the ovules
have a foramen at the extremity opposite the hiluin, or next the hilum ;
the former being ascertained to be the case, no doubt can remain of the
plant belonging to the natural order Cistinece. This operation may appear
rather tedious, but after a little practice it is gone through quickly ; and
when the conclusion sought for is attained, the station of the plant is not
only ascertained, but also that all vegetables having the same characters
are herbaceous or shrubby plants, with gay ephemeral flowers, usually
growing in rocky places, and possessing no known qualities except that
of secreting, in some instances, a sort of resinous substance used as a
stomachic and tonic.
Examples need not be multiplied, one instance showing what the
method of analysis is, as well as more.
The plan adopted, independently of the part now adverted to, is this :
To every collection of orders, whether called class, division, subdivision,
tribe, section, or otherwise, such remarks upon the value of the characters
assigned to it are prefixed as the personal experience of the Author, or
that of others, shows them to deserve. To every order the Name is given
which is most generally adopted, or which appears most unexceptionable,
with its Synonymes, a citation of a few authorities connected with each,
and their date : so that, from these quotations, the reader will learn at
xivi PREFACE.
tvhat period the order was first noticed, and also in what works he is to
look for further information upon it. To this succeeds the Diagnosis,
which comprehends the distinctive characters of the order reduced to their
briefest form, and its most remarkable features, without reference to excep-
tions. The latter are adverted to in what are called Anomalies. Then
follows the Essential Character ; a brief description of the order, in
all its most important particulars. This is succeeded by a paragraph
styled Affinities, in which are discussed the relations which the order
bears to others, and the most remarkable circumstances connected with
its structure in case it exhibits any particular instance of anomalous orga-
nization. Geography points out the distribution of the genera and
species over the surface of the globe : and the head Properties compre-
hends all that is certainly known of the use of the species in medicine,
the arts, domestic or rural economy, and so forth. A few genera are
finally named as Examples of each order.
The arrangement of the orders is not precisely that of any previous
work, nor indeed do any two Botanists adopt exactly the same plan ; a
circumstance which arises out of the very nature of the subject, the im-
possibility of expressing affinities by any lineal arrangement (the only one
which can be practically employed), and the different value that different
observers attach to the same characters. This is, however, of no practical
importance, so long as the limits of the orders themselves are unchanged ;
for the latter are the basis of the system, to which all other considerations
are subordinate. Such a collection of orders as that here given cannot
certainly be called " the Natural System" of the Vegetable Kingdom, in
the proper sense of those words ; but it is what Botanists take as a sub-
stitute for it, until some fixed principle shall be discovered upon which
combinations can be formed subordinate to the first great classes of Vascu-
lares and Cellulares, of Exogenoe and Endogenae. It is also certain, that
in the actual state of Botany we are more usefully employed in deter-
mining the characters of natural groups by exact observation, than in
speculating upon points which we have not yet the means of discussing
properly.
In conclusion, the Author has only to add, that this Work must not be
viewed as an Introduction to Botany. Those who would understand it,
must previously possess such an elementary acquaintance with the science
as they may collect from his Outline of the First Principles of Botany,
or some other work in which the modern views of vegetable organization
are explained. This, and the following introductory sketch of the princi-
pal modifications of structure, will be found to convey as much information
as is absolutely required with reference to the immediate subject of the
Work.
INTRODUCTION.
The notion of classing species according to the likeness they bear to
each other, which is the foundation of the Natural System, must have
originated with the first attempts of man to reduce natural history to a
science. When our forefathers spoke of " grass, and herbs yielding seed,
and fruit trees yielding fruit, of moving creatures that have life in the
water, of fowl that fly above the earth, and cattle and creeping thing,"
they employed the very same principles of arrangement which are now
in use, — rudely sketched, indeed, but not more so than the imperfection
of knowledge rendered unavoidable. At that time no means existed of
appreciating the value of minute or hidden organs, the functions or even
existence of which were unknown ; but objects were collected into groups,
characterized by common, external, and obvious signs. From such
principles no naturalists except botanists have deviated ; no one has
thought of first combining, under the name of animal kingdom, quadru-
peds and birds, insects and fishes, reptiles and mollusca, and then of sub-
dividing them by the aid of a few arbitrary signs, in such a way that a
portion of each should be found in every group — quadrupeds among birds
and fishes, reptiles amongst insects and mammalia ; but each great natural
group has been confined within its own proper limits. Botany alone, of
all the branches of natural history, has been treated otherwise ; and this
in modern times.
The first writers who acknowledged any system departed in no degree
from what they considered a classification of plants, according to their
general resemblances. Theophrastus has his water-plants and parasites,
pot-herbs and forest trees, and corn-plants ; Dioscorides, aromatics and
gum-bearing plants, eatable vegetables, and corn-herbs ; and the succes-
sors, imitators, and copiers of those writers retained the same kind of
arrangement for many ages.
At last, in 1570, a Fleming, of the name of Lobel, improved the vulgar
modes of distinction, by taking into account characters of a more definite
nature than those which had been employed by his predecessors ; and
thus was laid the foundation of the modern accurate mode of studying
vegetation. To this author succeeded many others, who, while they dis-
agreed upon the value to be ascribed to the small number of modifications
of structure with which they were acquainted, adhered to the ancient plan
of making their classification coincide with natural affinities. Among
them the most distinguished were Ceesalpinus, an Italian who published
in 1583, our countryman John Ray, and the more celebrated Tournefort,
who wrote in the end of the seventeenth century. At this time the mate-
rials of Botany had increased so much, that the introduction of more pre-
cision into arrangement became daily an object of greater importance ; and
this led to the contrivance of a plan which should be to Botany what the
alphabet is to language, a key by which what is really known of the
xlviii INTRODUCTION*.
science might, be readily ascertained. With this in view, Rivinus invented,
in 1690, a system depending upon the conformation of the corolla ;
Kamel, in 1093, upon the fruit alone ; Magnol, in 1720, on the calyx
and corolla ; and finally, Linnaeus, in 1731, on variations in the sexual
organs. The method of the last author has enjoyed a degree of celebrity
which has rarely fallen to the lot of human contrivances, chiefly on account
of its clearness and simplicity; and in its day it undoubtedly effected its
full proportion of good. Its author, however, probably intended it as a
mere substitute for the Natural System, for which he found the world in
his day unprepared, to be relinquished as soon as the principles of the latter
could be settled, as seems obvious from his writings, in which he calls the
Natural System primum et ultimum in botanicis desideratum. He
could scarcely have expected that his artificial method should exist when
the science had made sufficient progress to enable botanists to revert to
the principles of natural arrangement, the temporary abandonment of
which had been solely caused by the difficulty of defining its groups.
This difficulty no longer exists ; means of defining natural assemblages,
as certain as those employed for limiting artificial divisions, have been
discovered by modern botanists ; and the time has arrived when the in-
genious expedients of Linnaeus, which could only be justified by the state
of Botany when he first entered upon his career, must be finally relin-
quished. We now know something of the phenomena of vegetable life ;
by modern improvements in optics, our microscopes are capable of revealing
to us the structure of the minutest organs, and the nature of their combi-
nation ; repeated observations have explained the laws under which the
external forms of plants are modified ; and it is upon these considerations
that the natural system depends. What, then, should now hinder us
from using the powers we possess, and bringing the science to that state
in which only it can really be useful or interesting to mankind 1
Its uncertainty and difficulty deter us, say those who, acknowledging
the manifest advantages of the Natural System, nevertheless continue to
make use of the artificial method of Linnaeus. I do not know of any
other objections than these, which I hope to set aside by the following
remarks.
First, as to its uncertainty. That it is not open to this charge, no one
will, I think, assert ; on the contrary, it is admitted on all hands that it
fully participates in those imperfections to which human contrivances are
subject, particularly such as, like natural history, are from their nature not
susceptible of mathematical accuracy. But while no claim is advanced
on its behalf to superiority in this respect over artificial methods, it may
be safely stated, that it is not more uncertain than the celebrated sexual
system of Linnaeus, the only one with which it is worth comparing
it. By uncertain, I mean that the characters of the classes and
orders of the Natural system arc not more subject to exceptions than
those of the Linnean, as perhaps may be proved from documents in
the hands of every English reader. We are so accustomed to believe that
the certainty of the sexual system is equal to its simplicity, that this opinion
has acquired the nature of a fixed prejudice, and Ave are perhaps not pre-
pared to assent to the truth of a contrary proposition. Without, however,
travelling out of the way, or seeking for proofs of it among books or plants
with whichthe reader is unacquainted, the following tableof exceptions to tbe
sexual system, taken from Smith's Compendium of the Flora Britannica,
may possibly carry some weight with it :
INTRODUCTION.
xlix
Linnean Class or Order.
Total number of Genera in
Smith's Compendium.
Number of Genera which
contain Species atvariance
with the Characters of the
Classes and Orders.
Monandria, _____
Triandria Monogynia, -
Tetrandria, _____
Pentandria Monogynia, -
Pentandria Digynia, excluding Umbellatae
Pentandria Trigynia, -
Pentandria Hexagynia, -
Hexandria Trigynia, - - - -
Hexandria Polygynia, -
Octandria, ------
Decandria, ------
Dodecandria, -
Monoecia, ------
Dioecia, __--._
5
9
21
41
8
5
1
5
1
12
21
6
24
14 I
3
2
5
5
3
1
1
1
1
5
8
2
4
2
173 ]
43
From this it appears, that out of 173 genera belonging to fourteen
Linnean sections, no fewer than forty -three genera, or nearly one quarter,
contain species at variance with the characters of the classes and orders in
which they are placed. Were general works on Botany examined in the
same manner, it would be found that the proportion of exceptions is at
least as great as that indicated by the foregoing table, which comprehends
only those species, the variations of which are constant and uniform, and
does not include mere accidental deviations, such as the tendency of
Tetrandrous flowers to become Pentandrous, of Pentandrous to become
Tetrandrous, or of both to become Polygamous.
Although this is not stated for the purpose of extolling the Natural
System at the expense of the Linnsean, but rather, as has just been re-
marked, for the sake of doing away with a vulgar prejudice, yet I cannot
forbear expressing my doubt whether any fourteen natural orders can be
named in which the proportion of exceptions is so considerable as this,
namely, more than one in five.
Upon the supposed peculiar difficulties of the Natural System I have
elsewhere made some general remarks (Synopsis, p. x.), which need not
be repeated here. It will be better now to inquire more particularly in
what the difficulty consists.
It is said that the primary characters of the classes are not to be ascer-
tained without much laborious research ; and that not one step can be
7
1 INTRODUCTION.
advanced until tins preliminary difficulty is overcome. Those who hold
a language of this kind must be so unacquainted with the subject, that their
arguments, if they can be called by such a name, scarcely deserve a reply.
The objection has, however, been made, and must be answered.
In natural history many facts have been originally discovered by minute
and painful research, which, when once ascertained, are readily to be
detected by some more simple process, of which Botany is perhaps the
most striking proof that can be adduced. The first question to be deter-
mined by a student of Botany, who wishes to inform himself of the name,
affinities, und uses of a plant, appears to be, whether his subject contains
spiral vessels or not, because the two great divisions of the vegetable king-
dom, called Vasculares and Cellulares, are characterized by the presence
or absence of these minute organs. It is true, we have learned by careful
observation, and multiplied microscopical analyses, that vascular plants have
spiral vessels, and cellular plants have none ; but it is not true, that in prac-
tice so minute and difficult an inquiry needs to be instituted, because it has
also been ascertained that all plants that bear flowers have spiral vessels,
and are therefore Vascular ; and that vegetables which have no
flowers are destitute of spiral vessels, and are therefore Cellular ; so that
the inquiry of the student, instead of being directed in the first instance to
an obscure but highly curious microscopical fact, is at once arrested by the
two most obvious peculiarities of the vegetable kingdom.
Among vascular plants two great divisions have been formed; the
names of which, Monocotyledons and Dicotyledons, are derived from the
former having usually but one lobe to the seed, and the latter two, — a
structure much more difficult to ascertain than the presence or absence of
spiral vessels, and more subject to exceptions. But no botanist would
proceed to dissect the seed of a plant for the purpose of determining to
which of these divisions it belonged, except in some special cases. We
know that the minute organization of the seed corresponds with a peculiar
structure, stem, leaves, and flowers, the most, highly developed, and most
easily examined parts of vegetation ; a botanist, therefore, prefers to exa-
amine the stem, or the leaf of a plant, to see whether it is a Monocotyledon
or a Dicotyledon, and does not find it necessary to anatomize the seed.
The presence or absence of albumen, the structure of the embryo, the
position of the seeds or ovula, the nature of the fruit, the modifications of
the flower, will, I presume, be hardly brought forward as other difficult
points for the student of the Natural System, because, whether the one
system or the other be employed, he must make himself acquainted with
such facts, for the purpose of determining genera. The common Toad-
flax cannot be discovered by its characters in any book of botany, without
the greater part of this kind of inquiry being gone through.
In the determination of genera, however, facility is entirely on the side
of the Natural System. Jussieu has well remarked, " that whatever trouble
is experienced in remembering or applying the characters of natural
orders, is more than compensated for by the facility of determining genera,
the characters of which are simple in proportion as those of orders are
complicated. The reverse takes place in arbitrary arrangements, where
the distinctions of classes and sections are extremely simple and easy to
remember, while those of genera are in proportion numerous and com-
plicated."
Let me not, however, be misunderstood in what I have been saying of
the supposed difficulties of the Natural System. Far bo it from me to
INTRODUCTION. li
state that there are no difficulties for the botanical student to overcome ;
on the contrary, there is no science which demands more minute accuracy
of observation, more patient research, or a more constant exercise of the
reasoning faculties, than that of Botany. But no subject of human in-
quiry can be pursued loosely and usefully at the same time ; for we may
rest assured, that that which can be studied superficially is little deserving
of being studied at all.
It may perhaps be urged, that the Natural System is still in so unsettled
a state, that botanists disagree among themselves about the limits and rela-
tive position of the orders; an argument to which some weight undoubt-
edly attaches. But, at the same time, it must be remarked, that all sciences
of observation proceed towards a settled state by slow degrees ; that Botany
is one upon which there is at least as much to learn as is at present known ;
and that the differences of opinion, just alluded to, affect the orders themselves
but little, and the principles of the science not at all, but apply rather to
the particular series in which the orders should stand with relation to each
other — a point which is not likely to be settled at present, and which is of
very little importance for any useful purpose.
The last kind of difficulty, and the only one of which I admit the force,
is the want of an introductory work upon the subject; and this, I presume
to hope, will be diminished by the appearance of the present publication.
The principle upon which I understand the Natural System of Botany
to be founded is, that the affinities of plants may be determined by a con-
sideration of all the points of resemblance between their various parts,
properties, and qualities ; and that thence an arrangement may be deduced
in which those species will be placed next each other which have the
greatest degree of relationship ; and that consequently the quality or struc-
ture of an imperfectly known plant may be determined by those of another
which is well known. Hence arises its superiority over arbitrary or arti-
ficial systems, such as that of Linnaeus, in which there is no combination
of ideas, but which are mere collections of isolated facts, not having any
distinct relation to each other.
This is the only intelligible meaning that can be attached to the term
Natural System, of which Nature herself, who creates species only, knows
nothing. It is absurd to suppose that our genera, orders, classes, and the
like, are more than mere contrivances to facilitate the arrangement of our
ideas with regard to species. A genus, oider, or class, is therefore called
natural, not because it exists in Nature, but because it comprehends species
naturally resembling such other more than they resemble any thing
else.
The advantages of such a system, in applying Botany to useful pur-
poses, are immense, especially to medical men, with whose profession the
science has always been identified. A knowledge of the properties of one
plant is a guide to the practitioner, which enables him to substitute some
other with confidence, which is naturally allied to it ; and physicians, on
foreign stations, may direct their inquiries, not empirically, but upon fixed
principles, into the qualities of the medicinal plants which nature has pro-
vided in every region for the alleviation of the maladies peculiar to it. To
horticulturists it is not less important : the propagation or cultivation of one
plant is usually applicable to all its kindred ; the habits of one species in an
order will often be those of the rest ; many a gardener might have escaped
lii INTRODUCTION.
the pain of a poisoned limb, had he been acquainted with the laws of affi-
nity; and, finally, the phenomena of grafting, that curious operation, which
is one of the grand features of distinction between the animal and vegeta-
ble kingdoms, and the success of which is wholly controlled by ties of
blood, can only be understood by the student of the Natural System.
In every kind of arrangement, which has the natural relationship of
objects for its basis, there are are two principal inconveniences to overcome.
The first is, that as objects resemble each other more or less in a multitude
of different respects, it is impossible to indicate all their affinities in a lineal
arrangement ; and yet no other arrangement than a lineal one can be
practically employed. The consequence of this is, that while the orders
themselves are really natural, the same title often cannot be applied to the
arrangement of them in masses. For example, Cupuliferae and Betulineae
are obviously connected by the most intimate relationship, and, as collec-
tions of species, each of them is perfectly natural ; yet one of them stands
among Apetalous plants, the other among Achlamydeous ones ; hence
the two latter groups are artificial. In fact it appears from what we at
present know, that no large combinations of orders are natural which are
not founded upon anatomical differences ; thus, Cellulares and Vasculares,
Exogenae and Endogenae, Gymnospermous and Angiospermons Dicoty-
ledons, are natural divisions ; but Apetalae, Polypetalae, Monopetalae,
Achlamydeae, and all their subordinate sections, are entirely artificial.
The second inconvenience is, that the characters which vegetables
exhibit are of such uncertain and variable degrees of importance, that it is
often difficult to say what value should be attached to any given modifi-
cation of structure. As this is a practical question, which requires to be
well understood, I shall endeavour to explain in some detail the nature
and relative value of those peculiarities of which botanists make use in
determining vegetable affinities ; repeating, as a general rule which is
not open to exception, that characters which are purely physiological, —
that is to say, which depend upon differences of internal anatomical struc-
ture,— are of much more value than varieties of form, position, number,
and the like, which are mere modifications of external organs.
It is a maxim of the Linnsean school, that the parts of fructification should
be employed in characterizing classes, orders, and genera, to the exclusion
of all modifications of the leaves or stem. This, although theoretically
insisted upon, was practically abandoned by Linnaeus himself, and is to
be received with great caution. The organs of fructification are only enti-
tled to a superior degree of consideration, when found by experience to be
less liable to variation than those of vegetation.
All plants are composed of what are called elementary organs, that is to
say, of a vegetable membrane appearing under the form of parenchyma
or cellular tissue in different states, of spiral vessels, and of ducts, or tubes :
these organs enter into the composition of plants in various ways, and are
not all even necessary to their existence : sometimes spiral vessels disap-
pear, and again both these and the ducts cease to be developed, — cellular
tissue, which is the basis of vegetation, alone remaining. Upon the pecu-
liar arrangement of these minute organs, external form necessarily
depends ; and as it is found by experience, that while the anatomical
structure of plants is subject to little or no variation, it is difficult to define
their external modifications with accuracy, the reason of the superior im-
portance of physiological characters will be apparent.
INTRODUCTION. lili
Some, and by far the greater part of, plants are propagated by produc-
tions called seeds, which are the result of the mutual action of the
stamina and pistils ; others are multiplied by bodies called sporules, of
the real nature of which little is yet known, further than that they do
not appear to result from the action of the stamina and pistils. Hence
plants are naturally and primarily divided into two great divisions, called
Phenogamous and Agamous.
Physiologists have discovered that these peculiarities are connected with
others in anatomical structure of no less importance. For instance, plants
propagated by seeds, and possessing distinct stamina and pistils, have spiral
vessels ; while those which are increased by bodies not depending upon the
presence of these organs, are universally destitute of spiral vessels. To the
latter statement there is no known exception, — species to which spiral
vessels have been ascribed being found to possess nothing more nearly
related to those organs than ducts, or false tracheae. The former character
is not absolutely without exception ; the singular genus Rafflesia being
described both by Brown and Blume as without spiral vessels, Caulinia
fragilis not having them according to Amici, and Lemna being destitute
of them according to the evidence of others. But these exceptions are not
regarded of much importance.
It therefore appears that two great divisions, established upon different
principles, agree in the kind of plants they comprehend ; Vasculares,
or those which have spiral vessels, being the same as Phenogamous
plants, and Cellulares, or those which have no spiral vessels, answering
to Agamous plants.
Stamina and pistils being considered essential to a flower (no apparatus
whatever from which they are absent being understood to constitute one),
two other unexceptionable characters belong to these same divisions ; all
Vasculares, or Phenogamus plants, bear flowers, and all Cellulares, Aga-
mous plants, are flowerless.
Two great but unequal divisions being thus established, upon both
anatomical and external characters, botanists have inquired whether simi-
lar differences of a secondary character could not be discovered among each
of them. Observations upon Cellulares have led to the establishment of
three groups of unequal importance, which are not, however, universally
received. Vasculares have been found to comprehend two great but
unequal tribes, differing essentially in the laws which govern their growth.
It has been ascertained that a large number of them grows by the addition
of successive layers of new matter to the outside, and that another, but
smaller number, increases by additions to the iuskb ; the youngest or
most newly formed parts being in the one case on the outside, and in the
other case in the inside. For this reason, one of these divisions has been
called Exogenous, and the other Endogenous. It is difficult to conceive
how the external increase of Exogenee could take place without some
adequate protection to the young newly formed tissue from the atmosphere
and accidental injury, and, accordingly, the substance called bark is created
by nature for that purpose, within which the new deposit takes place : as
this last is formed annually, the age of an Exogenous plant is indicated
in the trunk by imaginary lines called concentric circles, which are in fact
caused by the cessation of growth in one year, and the renewal of it in
another. The centre of this system is a cellular substance caHed pith.
liv INTRODUCTION.
Therefore, a section of the trunk of an Exogenous plant exhibits bark on
the outside, pith in the centre, and concentric deposits of woody matter
between these two, all connected in a solid mass by plates of cellular tissue,
radiating from the centre to the circumference, and called medullary rays.
Endogenae, the addition to which is internal, have no need of an external
coating to protect their newly formed matter from injury, and are there-
fore destitute of bark ; moreover, as the layers of new matter are not con-
centric, but irregular, and do not either correspond with particular seasons
of growth, nor commence round any distinct centre of vegetation, there is
no distinction of bark, woody concentric deposits, and pith ; the connecting
tissue by which the parts are all tied together is mixed up with the sub-
stance of the whole, and does not radiate regularly in plates from the
centre to the circumference, and consequently there are no medullary rays.
Nothing can be more clearly made out than the existence of these two
modes of growth in vascular plants ; and the nature of them will be at
once understood by an inspection of a section of an Oak branch, and of a
Cane.
Upon Exogenae I do not know that any remarks need be made, they
being exceedingly uniform in the great features of their structure ; except
in Coniferse and Cycadeae, which, without deviating from the mode of
growth of Exogenae, exhibit a peculiar modification of the woody tissue.
But Endogenee are perhaps divisible into two subordinate forms, which
have been pointed out by Agardh. First, Grasses, which, as this distin-
guished writer well remarks, are the least monocotyledonous of all ; they
have a distinct pith, hollow branched stems like Umbelliferee, and buds at
the axillae of the leaves ; but they have no bark, no medullary rays, and
their direction of increase is inwards : and, secondly, Palms, which are
endogenous in the strictest sense of the word.
From this it appears, that Vasculares. or Flowering plants, are distin-
guished into such as are Exogenous and such as are Endogenous ; and
that while the former are incapable of any further anatomical division,
the latter contain perhaps two different forms. It must, however, be borne
in mind, that a great deal is yet to be learned upon this subject. Vegeta-
ble anatomy has not yet been studied sufficiently with a view to generali-
zation, and is, besides, a subject yet in its infancy. Nothing can be more
probable than that differences in the tissue, or in the relative position or
structure of vessels, will one day be found to accompany external differ-
ences far beyond what has yet been observed.
Anatomical differences in plants having been apparently exhausted,
inquiry has been turned to the degree in which modifications of the com-
pound or external organs are capable of being employed to determine
natural affinities ; and it has been found that these, although of secondary
importance only, nevertheless deserve the utmost attention, as they fre-
quently afford the only characters of which it is practicable to make use.
The Root, properly so called, offers no characters that have been found
uniform in particular families ; in fact, the modifications of which it is
susceptible are so few, that it is difficult to conceive in what way they can
be applied. Certain forms of root-like stems and buds have, however, been
observed, to which some attention should be paid. In the first place,
neither bulb nor rhizoma is known in Exogenous plants, while in Endo-
genae they are sometimes characteristic of particular orders. Thus, all
Marantaceee and Scitamineee, and most Iridese, have a rhizoma in one
INTRODUCTION. lv
form or other, and bulbs are a usual character of Asphodeleae and Amaryl-
lideae ; in the former, however, the bulb is often represented by a rhizoma,
orcormus, as in Brodiaea, Leucocoryne, and their allies, or by those succu-
lent fibres called fasciculate roots, as in Asphodelus itself; and in the latter
the bulb is sometimes entirely absorbed by succulent perennial leaves, as
in Clivia.
External variations in the figure of the stem are sometimes available
as distinctions of orders. Thus, a twining stem is almost without excep-
tion in Menispermese, a square stem is universal in Labiate, and an angular
oneinStellatie ; but more frequently its figure affords no indication whatever
of affinities. — Texture of the stem is of scarcely more value. Cacteac, it
is true, have always the cellular tissue in excess, and derive by that circum-
stance one of their great distinctions from Grossulaceae ; but even in Cacteae
the Pereskias are scarcely more succulent than other plants ; and Euphor-
biacere and Asclepiadeae exhibit instances both of the most decided slate of
anamorphosis, and of the normal condition of stems in general. — In the
internal arrangement of the layers of Exogenous stems, I am not aware
of any character which distinguishes orders besides those to which I have
already adverted ; except in Calycantheae, which are distinctly known by
the presence of four incomplete centres of vegetation surrounding the
principal one, and so forming four angles which are visible externally.
(See MirbeFs figure, in the Annales des Sciences, vol. xiv. p. 367.) But
as I have before observed, very little is really known upon this subject.
The Leaves are subject to modifications not less important in deter-
mining the mutual relations of plants, than the functions which they
perform in the vegetable economy. Their characters depend upon their
relative position, their degree of division, their venation, and the presence
or absence of pellucid dots within their substance. — All Cinchonacese
(Rubiaceae) have opposite entire leaves ; in Labiatee, Apocyncse, Gentia-
neae, Monimieae, and many others, they are also uniformly opposite ; but
in the genus Fuchsia, in which they are usually opposite, species exist
in which they are not only alternate, but both the one and the other on
the same plant ; and alternate-leaved species exist in Compositae, Scro-
phularineae, and Malpighiaceae, orders the leaves of which are generally
opposite. In Cupuliferae, Umbelliferae, Ternstisemiaceae, Hamanielideae,
and Urticea?, they are uniformly alternate ; but in Combretaceae and
Leguminosae, orders usually having alternate leaves, they are occasionally
opposite ; and Haloragea?, Ericinea?, and Ficoidea?, are orders in which
the genera have their leaves arranged in no certain manner. I do not
know how far this irregularity is connected with the following observa-
tions of Schlechtendahl, which, however, deserve attention. " Those
leaves," he says, " which are connected either by their base, or by the
intervention of a stipula, I call opposite, and those which are not so con-
nected, spuriously opposite (pseudo-opposita). Opposite leaves are never
disjoined, as in Rubiaceaj and Caryophyllere ; spuriously opposite ones,
which are much more common, being easily disjoined, readily become
alternate. Branches obey the same laws as leaves." Linncca, 1. 207. —
All Spondiaceae, Rhizoboleae, &c, have compound leaves ; in many others
they are always simple; and in such orders as Acerineae, Aurantiaceae,
Geraniaceae, Rutaceae, and Sapindaceae, both simple and compound leaves
are found. This character, therefore, is not considered of so much value
as many others. — Neither is the degree of division of the margin usually
lvi INTRODUCTION.
important, toothed and entire leaves being often found in the same order.
Nevertheless, there is no instance of toothed leaves in Cinchonaceae, Gen-
tianeae, Guttiferae, or Malpighiaceae ; and they are very rare in Endoge-
nous plants. Characters derived from the arrangement of veins are known
to be in many cases of the utmost importance ; and it is probable, that
when this subject shall have been more accurately studied, they will be
found of even more value than has been yet supposed. The great obstacle
to employing characters derived from venation, exists in the want of words
to express clearly and accurately the different modes in which veins are
arranged. I have endeavoured to remove this by some observations in
the Botanical Register ; and I am persuaded the subject deserves the par-
ticular attention of botanists. It is already known that the internal
structure and peculiar growth of Exogenae and Endogense are externally
indicated by the arrangement of the veins of their leaves, — those of Exo-
genae diverging abruptly from the midrib, and then branching and anas-
tomosing in various ways, so as to form a reticulated plexus of veins of
unequal size ; while those of Endogenae run straight from the base to the
apex, or diverge gradually from the midrib, not ramifying in their course,
but being simply connected with each other by transverse bars, examples
of which are afforded on the one hand by the Rose, and on the other by
the Iris and Arrow- root. Although a few exceptions exist to both these
laws, yet the grand characters of the leaves of those classes are such as I
describe. But, independently of this, many other orders are distinguished
without exception by modifications of venation. Thus, all Melastomaceae
have three or more collateral ribs connected by branched transverse bars,
something in the way of Endogenae ; all Myrtaceae have one or two fine
veins running parallel with the margin, and just within it ; all Cupuliferae
have the principal lateral veins running straight out from the midrib to the
margin ; Betulineae are distinguished by this among other characters from
Salicineae; and the same peculiarity separates the genuine genera of
Dilleniaceae, called Delimaceae by Decandolle, from those of which Hib-
bertia is the representative. — Leaves which contain reservoirs of oily secre-
tions, indicated by the presence of pellucid glands within their substance,
are almost always universal in a given order. Thus, Myrtaceae, properly
so called, (with the exception of the paradoxical pomegranate;) are distin-
guished by these glands from Melastomaceae ; in one genus of which,
however, (Diplogenea,) slight traces of them are to be found : they are
present in all Aurantiaceae ; by this character Wintereae are distinguished
from Magnoliaceae, Amyrideae from Connaraceae, &c. &c. In the orders
Phytolacceae, Petiveraceae, Labiatae, and Zygophylleae, there are, however,
genera with and without pellucid dots.
At the base of some leaves are frequently found little membranous or
foliaceous appendages called Stipule, which are in fact leaves in an
imperfect state of developement. Their presence may therefore be under-
stood to indicate a peculiar degree of composition in the leaves to which
they belong, and they really indicate affinities in a very remarkable man-
ner. In studying them, however, care must be taken not to confound
genuine foliaceous appendages, to which alone the name of stipulae properly
appertain.-, with dilatations, or membranous or glandular processes of the
petiole, such as are found in Ranunculaceae, Grossulaceae, Apocyneae,
Umbellifcni', and others. The presence of stipulae is universal in Cincho-
naceae, which are thus distinguished from Stellatoe, in Betulineae,
INTRODUCTION.
lvii
Salicineae, Magnoliaceae, Artocarpese, and many others : a particluar modi-
fication of thein, called the ochrea, is the peculiar distinction of Polygoneae;
and they are universally absent in Myrtaceae properly so called, Guttifera?,
Gentianes, Malpighiaceee, and many others. The orders Cistineae, Saxi-
frages, and Loganies, are among the very few cases in which genera
exist both with and without stipulae. (See Von Martius Nov. Gen. et Sp.
2. 135.)
The little starved leaves found at the base of many flowers, and techni-
cally called Bracte.^e, are rarely employed as distinctions of orders, offer-
ing scarcely any modifications of importance. In Cruciferae they are never
present, and in Marcgraaviaceae they are usually hollow, being folded
together by their two edges, like the leaves of which carpella are formed.
Forms of Inflorescence are occasionally, but not often, found cha-
racteristic of particular tribes. Thus all Composite, Calycereae, and
Dipsaceae, have their flowers in heads ; all Umbelliferae bear umbels ; all
Labiates have axillary cymes called verticillastri ; all Plantagineae, Cype-
racete, and Gramineae, have dense simple imbricated spikes ; all Betulineae,
Cupuliferae, and Salicinea1, bear amenta or catkins ; and most Coniferae
have a strobilus or cone ; in the latter, however, the flowers are sometimes
solitary, as in Taxus, and then the usual form of inflorescence is departed
from.
The outer envelope of the flower, called the Calyx, is used in a variety
cf ways to distinguish orders ; but the characters it affords are far from
being of equal or uniform importance. Its absence implies the absence of
the corolla also, which cannot possibly be present when the calyx is away,
unless, as in Compositae, it is obliterated by the pressure of surrounding
bodies. By its absence all the orders called Achlamydeous are character-
ized, such as Salicineae, Piperaceas, Saurureas, &c. ; but in Betulineae it is
present in the male flowers, and in Euphorbia itself, among Monochla-
mydeae, it is wholly wanting. These exceptions do not, however, affect
the general importance of characters derived from its presence or absence.
If it is unaccompanied by the corolla, plants are said to be Monochlamy-
deous ; and this is a point of very uniform value. I know of no true
Monochlamydeous orders in which the presence of a corolla forms an
exception, unless the faucial scales of Thymelaeaeare considered tie rudi-
ments of a corolla. — The sepals or leaves of which it is composed are
either distinct or combined ; and from this circumstance characters are
sometimes advantageously derived. Thus, in Sclerantheae the calyx is
always monosepaious, and in Chenopodeae it is as regularly polysepalous ;
but in Caryophylleae both forms are observable. — The number of sepals is
sometimes a character of importance, as in Cruciferae, in which they are
always 4, in Papaveracea-, which have never more than 2, and in the
greater part of Endogenous plants, which have usually 3. This character,
however, requires to be used with circumspection, as there are many more
instances of the number of sepals being variable than regular. Thus in
Lineae and Malvaceae they are 3-4-5 ; in Guttiferae they vary from 2 to 6;
in Homalineee from 5 to 15 ; and in Samydeae from 3 to 7. — The aestiva-
tion of the calyx is always to be well considered, as certain forms are
often among the best known indications of affinity. Malvaceae, Tiliacea?,
Elaeocarpeae, Tremandreae, Sterculiaceae, and Bombaceae, have it exclu-
sively valvate among polypetalous dicotyledons with hypogynous stamens;
Temstrbmiaceae have the sepals constantly imbricated in a particular way ;
8
Iviii INTRODUCTION.
Vites have the lobes of the calyx distinct and wide apart from a very
early period of their existence : but in Penaeaceae both valvate and imbri-
cate aestivation exists. — In some plants the sepals are all of equal size ; in
others they are very unequal either in form, direction, or texture; in ihe
former case they are said to be regular, in the latter irregular, and by this
difference certain orders are characterized. Thus Sapindaceae and Poly-
galeee have a calyx constantly irregular ; many orders are constantly regu-
lar; but it frequently happens that both regular and irregular calyces
co-exist in the same order, as in Rosacese, Labiatae, Leguminosae, and a
great many others. In most orders the sepals occupy one series of verti-
cillus only ; others have them in two series, and this has not been found to
be connected with any material differences otherwise ; but when the num-
ber of series is increased much beyond two, they cease to be separably dis-
tinguishable, and form an imbricated calyx, which is frequently confounded
with the corolla, as in Calycantheae and Wintereas. I know of no order
in which genera with an imbricated calyx of this kind and a calyx of the
common kind co-exist. It is one of the principal points which separate
Calycantheae from Rosaceae. — The most important character connected
with the calyx is, however, its cohesion or non-cohesion with the ovarium;
or, as botanists incorrectly call it, its being superior or inferior. Many
orders are positively characterized by this, as Compositae Umbelliferae,
Caprifoliaceae, Orchideae, and very many more ; and, as it usually happens
that it exists without exception, it becomes one of the most useful means
of distinction of which we are in possession. Pomaceae are, for instance,
by this means at once known from Rosaceae, Scaevoleee from Brunoniaceae,
and Cinchonaceae from Apocyneae. No instance of a superior calyx has
been found in Ranunculaceae, Cruciferae, Papaveraceae, Rutaceae, and a
number of others. But there are some singular exceptions to this law.
Thus, among Anonaceae, an order with indefinite superior ovaria, we find
Eupomatia, in which they are inferior. In Anacardiaceae, which have
almost universally a superior ovarium, a genus is said by Mr. Brown to
exist in which it is inferior ; in Melastomaceae all degrees of cohesion take
place between the calyx and the ovarium ; and in Saxifrages this uncer-
tainty of structure is still more remarkable. It should, however, be ob-
served, that in the two latter orders the tendency to cohesion between the
calyx and ovarium may be almost always ascertained by careful dissection ;
and even in Parnassia, an anomalous genus which is referred to Saxifra-
geae, usually having an ovarium completely superior, there exists a species
in which it is partially inferior. I have said that the difference between a
superior and inferior calyx consists only in the cohesion of that organ with
the ovarium in the one case, and its separation from it in another; and
this is the view which is always taken of it, all that part which intervenes
between the segments and the pedicel being considered the tube of the
calyx. But I strongly suspect that we have yet to learn that theory has
in this case carried botanists too far, and that there are cases in which
the apparent origin of the calyx is the real origin. Upon this supposition,
what is now called the tube of the calyx may be sometimes a peculiar
extension or hollowing out of the apex of the pedicel, of which we see an
example in Eschscholtzia, and of which Rosa and Calycanthus, and per-
haps all supposed tubes without apparent veins, may also be instances. In
this case the whole of our ideas about superior and inferior calyxes will
require, modification. But upon this subject I cannot enter here : I have
INTRODUCTION.
lix
in the following Work spoken of these points of structure according to the
received opinions of botanists.
The second floral envelope we call the Corolla. It consists of a number
of leaves equal to those of the calyx, and alternating with them ; in addi-
tion to which they are usually coloured. — If the corolla is present, a plant
is said to be dichlamydeous, and much importance is attached to this pecu-
liarity ; far more, I think, than it deserves. It constantly separates plants
having much natural affinity, as Euphorbiacese far from Rhamneae, Ama-
rantaceae widely from Illecebreae ; and it is also one to which there are
numberless exceptions. This is, however, not the case with monopetalous
dicotyledons, Primulaceae and Oleaceae being almost the only instances of
orders among those which are truly monopetalous, containing apetalous
genera. — The difference between a monopetalous and a polypetalous corolla
is this, that in the one the leaves out of which the corolla is formed are
distinct, and in the other united. Great value is attached to this, and it
is in fact a difference of first-rate importance : thus, all Ranunculaceae,
Rosacea^ Cruciferae, Papaveraceae, Terebintaceae, and a multitude of
others, are, without exception, polypetalous ; and all Boragineae, Labiatae,
Scrophularineae, and Bignoniaceae, are equally, without exception, mono-
petalous : but in the polypetalous orders of Crassulaceae, Diosmeae, Poly-
galeae, Ternstromiaceee, &c, there are many monopetalous genera ; and
monopetalous Caprifoliaceae are usually associated with Hedera and Cor-
nus, which are as much polypetalous as any other plants. — The aestiva-
tion of the corolla rarely furnishes characters connected with the natural pro-
perties of plants ; nevertheless, Compositae are essentially distinguished by
their valvate, and Asclepiadeae and Apocyneae by their contorted aestivation,
an exception to the one existing only in the genus Leptadenia, and in the
other in Gardneria. The aestivation of both calyx and corolla has as yet
received too little attention for its value to be judged of generally. — The
regularity or irregularity of the corolla is most commonly important : thus,
Orchideae, Polygatleae, Bignoniaceae, Fumariaceae, are irregular without
exception ; the regular flowers of Boragineae will almost distinguish them
from Labiatae, which have as frequently irregular ones ; yet Echium in
Boragineae is irregular, and Caprifoliaceae exhibit all the gradations from
a corolla of the most irregular form to one of the most perfect symmetry.
In Compositae both are found continually in the same head ; and Lobe-
liaceae, which may be almost always distinguished from Campanulaceae by
their irregularity, become nearly regular in Isotoma. — The venation of
the petals is scarcely ever employed for distinction, little being at present
known of it. Compositae are distinguished by the peculiar arrangement
of the veins of their corolla ; and they are always oblique in Hypericineae.
From within the corolla arise certain metamorphosed leaves, which are
called the stamina and pistils. From the manner in which they are com-
bined, good characters may sometimes be derived, but frequently no cha-
racters at all. Thus, Xanthoxyleae are known from Diosmeae and Tere-
bintaceae by their diclinous flowers; all Euphorbiaceae, Begoniaceae,
Amentaceae, Coniferae, Myriceae, are diclinous. But Vites, Gramineae,
Cyperaceae, Chenopodeae, Umbelliferae, and even Ranunculaceae contain
monoclinous and diclinous genera ; and it is familiar to every one, that
flowers of both these kinds stand side by side in Compositae.
lx INTRODUCTION.
The Stamens are undoubtedly the apparatus by means of which vivid-
cation is communicated to the ovula or eggs. They either arise immediately
from below the ovarium, having no adhesion to the calyx, when they are said
to be hypogynous, or they contract an adhesion of greater or smaller extent
with either the calyx or corolla, when they become perigynous, or, finally,
they appear to proceed from the apex of an inferior ovarium, in which case
they are named epigynous ; but it is usually now understood that all sta-
mens take their origin from below the ovarium ; and if this opinion be
well founded, there will be no material difference between those which are
perigynous and those which are epigynous ; and these two modifications
are accordingly confounded together by most modern botanists. M. Ad.
Brogniart, however, conceives epigynous stamens to be essentially distinct
from perigynous, founding his opinion upon the genus Raspailia, which
has a superior ovarium, from the top of which arise the stamens ; but it is
possible perhaps to explain this apparent anomaly. To the difference be-
tween perigynous and hypogynous stamens the French school attaches
the greatest value, not being willing to admit any genus with hypogynous
stamens into an order with perigynous ones, and vice versa ; and there is
somewhere an observation, that of such primary importance is this distinc-
tion, that while poisonous orders are to be known by their stamens being
hypogynous, all in which they are perigynous are wholesome. Setting
aside, however, this hypothesis, which has not the general application that
has been ascribed to it, there is no doubt that insertion of stamens does
very often go along with essential differences of other kinds ; for example,
it distinguishes with precision Rosacea? from Ranunculacece, Violaceae from
Passifloreae, Reaumurieae from Nitrariaceae, Aurantiaceae from Bursera-
cese. But, on the other hand, there is not only frequently, as may be well
supposed, so slight a degree of adhesion between the stamens and calyx
as to render it difficult to say whether the former are perigynous or hypo-
gynous, as in Galacineae, Tamariscineae, an} many others ; but there are
orders which do really exhibit instances of both modes. Thus Eschscholtzia
has decidedly perigynous stamens, and yet it is undoubtedly a genus of
Papaveraceae, the character of which is to have them hypogynous ; and
all kinds of gradations, from the one form to the other, are observable in
Saxifrageae. The stamens of Macrostylis, among the hypogynous order
Diosmeae, are manifestly perigynous. In Gcraniaceae the genus Geranium
has the stamens hypogynous, and Pelargonium perigynous. Caryophyllca?
are arranged among genera with hypogynous stamens, yet some of them
(Larbrea and Adenarium) are perigynous ; in Ulecebrese part of the
genera are perigynous, ami part hypogynous. The perigynous
stamens of Turneraceae divide them from Cistineae, to which they
are closely allied. — The manner in which the stamens cohere is some-
times an indication of affinity; for instance, they are monadelphous in
Malvaceae and Meliacea?. diadelphous in great numbers of Leguminosae,
polyadelphous in Hypericineae ; but more commonly this character is un-
important, as in Malvaceae themselves, which have sometimes distinct
stamens ; Leguminosae, which have very often such ; in Tcrnstromiaceae,
which have both united and disunited ones. — It not unfrequently occurs
that the conversion of the petals into stamens takes place imperfectly, in
which case a part of the stamens are said to be sterile, and this is sometimes
a useful character for detecting affinities. Thus, in many Biittneriaccae
INTRODUCTION. lxi
one-fifth are sterile and petaloicl, in Galacinerc every other one, in Aqui-
larineee two-thirds, in Bignoniacerc tlie uppermost of 5 is rudimentary. —
A peculiarity of a similar nature is the want of symmetry which sometimes
exists between the petals or sepals, and stamens. Supposing the flower to
be formed without abortion of any kind, and by a regular alternation of
metamorphosis, as is usually the case, the petals will be always some mul-
tiple of the sepals, and the stamens of the petals ; and of course any irre-
gularity in this respect will destroy the supposed symmetry. This is often
a point of much importance to observe; for example, in Boraginese the
stamens are always equal to the segments of the corolla, and the flowers
of that order are consequently symmetrical ; in Labiatte, on the contrary;
one at least of the stamens is constantly missing, and the flowers are there-
fore regularly unsymmetrical, a character by which these orders may be
constantly known, when the form of their corolla will not distinguish them.
In Phytolaccece there is a constant tendency to a want of symmetry ; and
this is one of the characters by which that order is known from Che-
nopodeae.
That part of the stamen which contains the fertilizing matter or pollen
is known by the name of the Anther, and is a case usually consisting
of two parallel or slightly diverging cells, containing pollen, and opening
by a longitudinal fissure ; but from this plan many deviations take place,
wdiich are of great value in determining affinities. Thus, all Malvaceae,
properly so called, and Epacrideae, have but one cell ; in Laurineae and
Berberideae the valves are hinged by their upper margin ; in Ericeae the
pollen is emitted by pores ; in Melastomaceae the same takes place, along
with a peculiar conformation of the lower part of the anther ; in Hamame-
lideae dehiscence is effected by the falling off of the face of the anthers :
but in Solaneae, the genera of which have usually their anthers bursting
longitudinally, the genus Solanum itself opens by pores. The mode in
which the anther is united with the filament is sometimes taken into
account, as in Anonaceae, Nymphaeaceoe, Humhiaceae, and Aroideae, or
Typhaceae, in which they are always adnate ; and Gramineae, in which
they are as regularly versatile. But this modification appears of no great
moment, nor indeed does any peculiarity of the connectivum, all kinds of
forms of which are found in Labiatae ; and even in the small order of
Penaeaceae we have anthers with the connectivum excessively fleshy, and
in the ordinary state.
Pollen rarely affords any marks by which affinities are to be traced.
The most remarkable deviations from it exist in Asclepiadeae and Orchideae,
the former having it always in a state of concretion, resembling wax, by
which they are known from Apocyneae, and the latter having it frequently
so, but also containing numerous genera, the pollen of which is scarcely
distinguishable from its ordinary powctery state.
Immediately between the stamens and the ovarium is sometimes found
a fleshy ring or fleshy glands, called a Disk, and supposed for very good
reasons to represent an inne'; row of imperfectly developed stamens. The
presence of this disk is constant in Umbelliferae, Compositae, Labiatae,
Boragineae, Rosaceae, and many others, while its absence is equally uni-
versal in others. It is not, however, much used as a principal mark of dis-
tinction, its real value not having been yet ascertained. There are some
highly curious modifications of it in Rhamneae and Meliaceae. It is a very
remarkable fact, that in Gentianeae and their allies, which have the peri-
txii INTRODUCTION.
carpial leaves right and left with respect to the common axis of inflores-
cence, it is never truly present ; while in Scrophularineae and their allies,
the pericarpial leaves of which are anterior and posterior, it is as uniformly
present in one shape or other.
The last modification of leaves in the fructification consists in their con-
version into what is called the pistillum, or Ovarium ; that is to say,
into the case which contains the young seeds or ovules. Now that the
structure of this part is well understood, we know that an ovarium either
consists of one or several connected pericarpial leaves, called carpella, ar-
ranged around a common axis, or of several combined into a single body.
Upon this difference the distinction depends of what I call apocarpous
ovaria, or those of which the carpella are distinct ; and syncarpous are those
of which the carpella are compactly combined. These differences appear
to me of much importance, and subject to as few exceptions as any modi-
fications that botanists make use of. Thus Berberideae are distinguished
from Papaveraceae, Nelumboneae from Nymphaeaceae, Amyrideae from
Burseraceae, Boragineae from Ehretiaceae, and the like. But, at the same
time, it will be seen that cases exist of both forms being found in the same
natural order, as Zanthoxyleae. This, however, is rare. — The cohesion
of the ovarium with the calyx, or its separation from it, has been already
treated of in speaking of the calyx. — An ovarium may be either one-celled,
in consequence of its consisting of a single carpellum, in which case it will
belong to the apocarpous division ; or it may consist of several carpella
strictly cohering, and therefore syncarpous, but nevertheless one-celled, in
consequence of the obliteration of the dissepiments. Peculiarities of this
latter nature are almost always of ordinal importance, at least if the pla-
centa are parietal ; for instance, the latter is the structure of Papaveraceae,
Homalineae, Flacourtiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Papayacae, and Violaceae, to
which there is no exception ;. but Caryophylleae and Bruniaceae, the usual
structure of which is to be one-celled, have the placentae in the centre ;
and in both these orders there are genera, the ovarium of which contains
several cells. — Another point that deserves particular attention is the rela-
tion borne to the axis of inflorescence by the pericarpial leaves, of which an
ovarium is formed. What the exact value of this character may be, is
not yet known ; but it is certain that Gentianeae and their allies have their
principal leaves right and left of the axis, while Scrophularineae and their
allies, which are sometimes to be distinguished with difficult}', have the
pericarpial leaves anterior and posterior with respect to the axis. Rosaceae
and Leguminosae differ in a nearly similar way. — Connected with the
apocarpous or syncarpous state of the ovarium is the union or separation
of the styles, which, therefore, scarcely require distinct mention. It is as
well, however, to remark, that the separation of styles is commonly a sign
of the apocarpous state of the ovarium, provided the latter is not very
apparent otherwise ; and the cohesion of the styles is constantly an evidence
to the contrary ; and in this view the Elder and Hydrangea tribes may be
justifiably separated from Caprifoliaceae.
The Stigma seldom offers any good characters. In some cases, how-
ever, advantage is taken of it, as in Lineae, the capitate stigmas of which
distinguish them from Caryophylleae, in which they occupy the whole
inner face of the styles ; and in Goodenoviae, Scaevoleae, and Brunoniaceae,
there is a peculiar membranous appendage enveloping the stigma, and
called an indusium, which distinguishes those orders from all others.
INTRODUCTION. Ixiii
The number of the Ovula (that is to say, whether they are definite or
indefinite) is frequently an important difference, as, for example, between
Campanulacese and Compositae, Goodenoviae and Scaevoleae ; but while
I think considerable value usually attaches to this, it must not be forgotten
that there are exceptions to it in several instances, especially in Caprifolia-
ceae, if Hydrangea really belongs to that order, and Fumariaceae and Cru-
ciferae. — The position of the ovula is much more essential than their num-
ber, and may be considered as one of the most valuable forms of structure
that can be taken into account. It is uniform in Compositae, Valeria-
neae, Umbelliferae, and others, and it constitutes an absolute distinction be-
tween Artocarpeae and Urticeae; but in Sanguisorbeae, Pedalinese, and Sty-
raceae, both erect and suspended ovules co-exist ; this union of the two
positions occurs in a most remarkable degree in Penaeaceae ; and among
Violaceae, the genus Conohoria offers, according to M. A. St. Hilare, (PL
Usuelles, No. 10,) an instance of three kinds of direction in as many spe-
cies; in C. Lobolobo, the ovula are ascending; in C. Castaneaefolia, they
are suspended, and in C. Rinorea one is suspended, one ascending, and
the intermediate peritropal, or at right angles with the placentae. — The
situation of the foramen of the ovulum is a circumstance which should
always be taken into account, because it indicates with certainty the future
position of the radicle, which it is of first rate importance to ascertain, but
which will be more properly spoken of in considering the value of distinc-
tions drawn from that source.
The ripened ovarium is the Fruit. The differences in its structure
are of the same nature as those of the ovarium, and need not be repeated.
Its texture and mode of dehiscence are the principal sources of distinctions,
but they perhaps deserve as little attention as any of which botanists make
use. It is true that the fruit of all Grossulaceae is baccate, of all Labiatae
indehiscent, and of all Primulaceae capsular; but Marcgmaviaceae, Mela-
stomaceae, Myrtaceae, Ranunculaceae, and Rosacea?, and a crowd of other
orders, contain both baccate and capsular, dehiscent and indehiscent
genera.
The characters obtained from the position of the Seed are of the same
value as those from the position of the ovula ; in addition to which, the
peculiarities of the testa are made use of. In some Monocotyledonous or-
ders, as Asphodeleae and Smilaceae, the texture is employed as a mark of
distinction ; its being winged or otherwise distinguishes Meliaceae from
Cedreleae, and the presence of a fungous swelling about the hilum is a
good characteristic of Polygaleae. Linnsean botanists make a distinction
between naked and covered seeds, attributing the former character to La-
biatae, Boragineee, &c. ; but the sense in which they use the term is so
manifestly erroneous, that botanists were at one time led to believe that
no such things as naked seeds existed. It is now, however, known, from
the accurate observations of Mr. Brown, that certain tribes of plants do
exist in which the seeds are really naked, that is to say, susceptible of im-
pregnation and maturation without the intervention of any pericarpial
covering. These are Coniferae and Cycadeae, orders exceedingly remarka-
ble in other respects, especially in the structure of their vascular tissue. In
consequence of these peculiarities, they have been distinguished by A.
Brogniart as a class of the same dignity as Dicotyledons and Monocotyle-
dons. Without assenting to this proposition, to which I think there are
great objections, it is impossible to doubt that the naked seeds of these or-
lxiv INTRODUCTION.
ders constitute a secondary character of as much importance as any of
which botanists have knowledge.
The substance which surrounds the embryo is called the Albumen,
and its absence or presence constitutes a valuable mark of distinction.
There can be no doubt that when it exceeds the bulk of the embryo very
considerably, as in Ranunculaceee, Papaveraceee, Umbelliferae, Grasses, and
the like, it is of such importance, that no plant destitute of albumen is
likely to be found appertaining to such orders ; but, on the other hand, I
doubt very much whether its presence or absence deserves much attention
in orders which are called by German botanists subalbuminous, — that is
to say, where the embryo and albumen are of nearly equal bulk ; for it
should be remembered, that it always exists in seeds at some period of
their existence, and that its remains may very well be expected to be found
in almost any seeds ; thus, in fact, both albuminous and exalbuminous
seeds are found in Proteacere (Brown in Linn. Trans. 10. 36) ; and even
in Rosaceee, which are as free from remains of albumen as any order, it
is said to be distinctly present in Neillia, and in others traces are to be seen
adhering to the inner membrane of the testa. — The texture of the albu-
men is frequently consulted with advantage ; in all Rubiacese it is horny
or fleshy; Euphorbiaceee, oily ; Grasses, Polygonese, Chenopodeae, mealy ;
in Annonacese, it is ruminated, &c. ; but among Apocyneee, which have
solid albumen, it is ruminated in Alyxia.
The direction of the Embryo within the testa, which is indicated in the
ovulum by the foramen, is one of the very few characters to which we
know of no exceptions ; and if it were a less obscure point of structure, it
would consequently be one of the most useful. For example, in all Cis-
tinese, Urticeae, and Polygoneee, the radicle is not turned towards the hi-
lum, as in other tribes, but takes an opposite direction ; and these orders
are distinguished from their allies by this, better than by any other known
character.
The number of Cotyledons is generally believed to be one of the
most important means of distinguishing the great natural divisions called
Monocotyledons, Dicotyledons, and Acotyledons ; and it is a most curious
fact, that this goes along with anatomical structure. There are, however,
plants among Monocotyledons with two cotyledons, as the common
"Wheat ; and among Dicotyledons with only one, as Pena3a and some
Myrtacese ; and even none, as Cuscuta and Utricularia ; or several, as
Schizopetalon in Cruciferse, Benthamia in Boragineoe. Ceratophyllese, and
most Coniferae. — To the relative position of the cotyledons there are not
the same objections, whence the character of Dicotyledons has been found
to consist in the cotyledons being opposite to each other ; of Monocotyle-
dons, in their being alternate with each other, if there is more than one ;
and of Acotyledons, in germination taking place from no particular point,
rather than in their number.
The only remaining character of vegetation which I find it necessary to no-
tice is a singular and very uncommon one, which distinguishes a few small
families of planLs. This consists in the presence of theremains of the Amni-
os around the embryo in its perfect state : the amnios always surrounds the
embryo in an early state, but is most commonly absorbed before the forma-
tion of the embryo is completed ; but in Saurureac, Pipercese, and Nym-
phaeacese, its remains surround the embryo in the form of a sac, which
was mistaken by Richard, who did not understand its nature, for a pecu-
INTRODUCTION. lxv
liar appendage of the embryo, or rather for a particular form of the radi-
cle,— an hypothesis which that distinguished botanist supported with great
skill, but which is now generally abandoned.
I have now gone through the whole of the characters of which bota-
nists make use in distinguishing and determining the affinities of plants,
and I think it must be apparent that the difficulties connected with the sub-
ject are neither slight nor easily to be overcome. If these observations are
properly attended to, no one can be at a loss to understand, that to define
any group of plants, of what rank soever, is impracticable; that differ-
ences of structure are of an uncertain and unequal value ; and that the
affinities of plants are never to be absolutely made out by solitary charac-
ters, but depend upon more or less intricate combinations, the power of
judging of which, is the same test of a skilful botanist, as an appreciation
of symptoms is that of a physician.
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ARTIFICIAL ANALYSIS
OF
THE ORDERS.
Class T— VASCULARES, or FLOWERING PLANTS.
Plants having distinct flowers, furnished with stamina and pistils.
Sub-class I— EXOGENjE, or DICOTYLEDONOUS
PLANTS.
Leaves reticulated. Stem trith wood, pith, bark, and medullary rays.
Flowers with a quinary division Cotyledons 2 or more, opposite.
Tribe I — ANGIOSPERMiE
Seeds enclosed in a pericarpivm
* PoLYPETAL/E.
Petals distinct.
| ThalamiflorjE.
Stamens hypogynous, or adhering to the sides of the ovarium (Some
Diosmee perigynous.)
J Apocarp-e.
Carpella more or less distinct, sometimes solitary.
Flowers diclinous .... 23. Menisperme*.
Flowers monoclinous
Fruits immersed in a fleshy disk - 6. Nelumbone^.
Fruits not immersed in a fleshy disk.
Anthers bursting by valves curling1 backwards 22. Berberideje.
Anthers bursting by longitudinal slits.
Stipulse present.
Leaves with transparent dots 17. Wintereje.
Leaves without dots 15. Magntoliaceje.
Stipula? absent.
Albumen ruminated - - 13. Anonace*.
Albumen solid.
Seeds with an arillus 16. DiLLENiACEiE.
Seeds without an arillus.
Ovarium solitary 8. Podophyi.le.e.
Ovaria more than one
Leaves sheathing at the baer 3. RanunculacejE.
Leaves with a taper petiole 7. Hydropeltide-e.
Albumen none.
Leaves with pellucid dots 111 Amvride*.
Leaves without pellucid dots.
Stigmas capitate or terminal 11(1. Connarace.k.
Stigmas linear. Petals sepaloid 117. Cortarieje.
lx\
INTRODUCTION.
J| Syncarpje.
Carpella cohering in a solid (nudtiloculw) pericarpium.
TF Ovarium many-celled, with (he ovula attached to the face i , -kt
of the dissepiments - \ 5' Nymph*ace*.
HIT Ovarium 1-cellcd, with the ovula parietal.
Placenta linear, contracted.
Sepals 2.
Corolla regular ...
Corolla irregular ...
Sepals invariably 4.
Stamens tetradynamous. Disk glandular, or 0.
Ovarium sessile
Stamens indefinite. Disk continuous, enlarged.
Ovarium stalked
Sepals 5 (occasionally varying to 4, 6, or 7).
Ovula with the foramen at the extremity opposite ) 10/1 /-,.„„. __
the hilum - - W \ 134- Cistine*.
Ovula with the foramen at thecxtremity next the hilum
4. Papaveraces.
10. FuMARIACEJE.
9. Cruciferje.
11. CArrAiuPE^E.
Stamens indefinite
Stamens definite.
Vernation circinate
Vernation straight.
Capsule with loculicidal dehiscence.
Stipulffi present. Sepals distinct.
Seeds naked
Stipuke absent. Sepals combined.
Seeds comose
Capsule with septicidal dehiscence.
Stipulsc 0. Sepals concrete
Placenta; branched over the surface of the valves
1T1IH Ovarium 2- or more-celled, with the ovula attached to
the axis; or only 1-celled, with the ovula adhering to a
placenta in the centre.
^Estivation of the calyx valvate.
Anthers bursting by pores.
Petals lacerated, imbricated in aestivation
Petals entire, involute in aestivation
Anthers bursting longitudinally.
Filaments distinct. Disk glandular
Filaments connate. Disk 0.
Anthers bilocular
Anthers unilocular.
Stamens monadelphous
Stamens penta- or polyadelphous
^Estivation of the calyx imbricate or open.
Stamens indefinite.
Styles several.
Seeds smooth ...
Seeds villous -
Style single.
Stigma peltate, petaloid, persistent
Stigma not dilated, withering.
Anthers subulate, opening by a linear
pore at the apex
Anthers opening longitudinally.
Leaves with stipulas
Leaves without stipule.
Leaves compound
Leaves simple.
Leaves opposite
Leaves alternate.
Seeds indefinite
Seeds definite
Stamens definite.
Flowers unsymmetrical. (That is, the segments
of the calyx, the petals, and the stamens, not
i egularTnultiples of each other.) Anisomeria.
Sepals very unequal. Stamens irregulai ly
arranged upon n hypogynous disk.
(Petals usually with some interior ap-
pendage.)
Ovules definite, erect.
Fruit dehiscent
135.
137.
BlXINEJE.
Dboserace;e.
130. Violace*.
142. Tamariscineje.
141. Frankeniaceje.
12. Flacourtiace*.
30.
128.
29.
27.
24.
26.
Elkocarpeje.
Tremandre*.
Tiliace-k.
Sterculiace*.
Malvaceae.
Bombace*.
3<5.
37.
136.
31.
25.
99.
34.
35.
32.
hvpericine^.
Reaumueie*.
Sarracenieje.
Dipterocarpe.*.
Chlenaceje.
Rhizoroi.e*.
( rUTTIFEHJC,
IMarCCRAAVIACEjE.
Ternstromiaceje.
100. SapINDacejb
98. IIippocastane*.
INTRODUCTION.
lxxi
Fruit, indchiscent.
Stamens distinct
Stamens cohering al iii> base J
in a fleshy cup - \
Ovules definite, pendulous
Ovarium 1-oelled, with a central
columna placenta.
■ Stamens monadelphous. Fruit ?
dehiscent - - S
Stamens distinct. One of the )
sepals spurred - - \
Ovules indefinite
Flowers symmetrical. (That is, the segments
of the calyx, the petals, and the stamens,
regular multiples of each other.) Isomeric*,.
Embryo coiled round mealy albumen
Embryo straight, or a little curved; albu-
men, if present, not mealy.
Stamens combined in a long tube ;
anthers subsessile.
Seeds definite, not winged ; an- )
thers all fertile - -J
Seeds indefinite, winged ; anthers )
partly sterile - - \
Stamens distinct, except at the base ;
anthers with long filaments.
Seeds indefinite.
Embryo minute, in fleshy al- >
bumen - - S
Embryo in the axis of fleshy )
albumen - $
Embryo destitute of albu-
men.
Fruit drupaceous. Trees
Fruit capsular. Herbs
Seeds definite.
Ovarium deeply lobed, with the style arising from the base of )
the carpella, which are seated on a succulent receptacle $
Ovarium not seated on a succulent receptacle.
Ovula erect - -
Ovula pendulous.
One of the sepals spurred
None of the sepals spurred.
Leaves with pellucid dots.
"Fruit succulent - - - -
Fruit capsular or drupaceous.
Flowers unisexual
Flowers hermaphrodite.
Endocarp not separable from the sarco-
carp -
Endocarp separating from the sarcocarp as )
a 2-valved coccus - - - S
Leaves without pellucid dots.
Fruit 1-celled
Fr uit many-celled.
Stamens arising from hypogynous scales.
Leaves opposite, with stipulw
Leaves exstipulate
Stamens immediately hypogynous.
Cotyledons shrivelled
Cotyledons flat.
Styles distinct. Stigmas capitate
Styles concrete, or nearly so.
Seeds without albumen. Connec- t
tivuin small - 5
Seeds with albumen. Cbnnectivum )
dilated - - S
101.
Al KlilNE.E.
94
HlPFOCBATBACE.fi,
(58.
Olacine.*.
129.
Polyoalea:.
124
'YB.OP&QLEJE..
126.
Ualsaminea:.
141).
C'AUYOPHVLLEiE.
105.
IOC.
121.
123.
95.
143.
Meliacea:.
Cedreleje.
PtTTOSl'OllEvE.
OxALIDEJE.
Bkexiaoeje.
Elatineje.
118. Ochnaceje.
104.
125.
108.
114.
116.
115.
VlTES.
HyDROCEKEjE.
aurant1ace.*.
Xanthqxyleje.
RuTACEjE.
DlOSMEjE.
102. ERYTHROXYLE.E.
119.
120.
122.
139.
103.
107.
Zygophylle*.
SlMAKUBACEiE.
Geraniaceje
LlNEJE.
MalPIGHIACEjE.
Humuuaces.
lxxii
INTRODUCTION.
|| Calyciflor^e.
Stamens perigynous ; distinct from the corolla when it is monopetalous.
J Apocarpa;.
Carpella distinct. In Pomaces they cohere more or less; but the styles are
distinct.
38. Saxifrage*.
39. Cunoniace*.
40. Baueracex.
74. PomacejE.
73. Rosaceje.
77. Leguminosje.
76. Chbysobalane*.
75. Amygdaleje.
18. Calycantheje.
113. Anacardiaceje.
Citlyx adhering more or less to the ovaria.
Stamens definite.
Herbaceous plants (without stipulae)
Shrubs with opposite leaves (and interpetiolar stipulas)
Stamens indefinite.
Fruit capsular. Seeds indefinite
Fruit pomaceous. Seeds definite
Calyx distinct from the ovarium.
Leaves with stipute.
Ovaria several - -
Ovaria solitary.
Ovula peritropal. Fruit a legume
Ovula erect ....
Ovula suspended ....
Leaves without stipulae.
Sepals numerous, imbricated
Sepals in a single whorl.
Seeds definite, without albumen
Seeds indefinite, with albumen.
Ovarium with hypogynous scales. Vegetation ) u? Crassulaceje.
succulent - S
0v^^thouihyP0^aous^les\VcSeiati^^ 38- ^AXtFRAGE* («*)
|J Syncarp-E.
Carpella combined into a midiiloctdar pericarpium.
H Ovarium superior.
Ovarium 1-cellcd, with parietal placentas.
Embryo in the midst of fleshy albumen.
^Estivation of the corolla twisted.
Throat of the calyx with a membranous corona 132.
Throat of the calyx without a membranous corona 1 33.
^Estivation of the corolla imbricated - .- 131.
Embryo without albumen. Flowers rather irregular 28.
Ovarium 1-celled, with the ovula not parietal, but either pen-
dulous, or attached to a free central placenta.
Sepals 2. Stamens opposite the petals - 144.
Sepals 5. Stamens opposite the sepals - - 150.
Ovarium with several cells.
Calyx tubular, covering the fruit - 52.
Calyx deeply divided or polysepalous.
Flowers regular.
Ovarium deeply lobed. Style lateral - 92.
Ovarium undivided. Style terminal
Disk not developed.
Ovula indefinite.
Stamens all fertile. Petals
(Succulent.)
Stamens alternately barren - 146. Galacinf.^..
Ovula definite - - 149. Nitrariace*.
Disk developed.
Disk glandular
Disk annular.
Stamens equal in number to the petals
Stamens opposite the petals
Stamens alternate with the petals.
Leaves simple, without stipuhc 93.
Leaves compound, with stipulae 97.
Stamens some multiple of the num-
ber of the petals.
Ovula in pairs - - 112.
Ovula solitary - - 109.
Flowers irregulai - - 127.
MalesherbiacejE.
turnebace*.
Passifloreje.
moringe.s.
Portulaceje.
IlLECEBREjE.
Salicari*.
Stackhouse*:.
concrete. > 145. Fouquieraceje.
69. Chailletiace*.
96. Khamneje.
Celastrine*.
STAPHYLEACEiE.
burserace.s.
SpondiacejE.
Vochyaceje. {bis.)
INTRODUCTION.
ixxiii
70.
46.
45.
727.
56.
148.
53.
54.
HOMALINE.fi.
Cacti.
GROSSULACEiE.
"V~OCHYACE.fi.
MyrtacejE.
FlCOIDEiE.
Memecyleje.
Melastomace*.
LeCYTHIDEjE.
PHILADELPHE.fi.
Escalioneje.
Onagrarl.e.
49. CiBC.fiACE.fi.
50. Hydrocaryes.
HIT Ovarium interior.
Ovarium 1-celled, with parietal placentae.
Stamens partly sterile. Petals and sepals dissimilar - 51. Loaseje.
Stamens all fertile.
Petals and sepals alike.
Vegetation normal -
Vegetation succulent ...
Petals and sepals different - - .
Ovarium with several cells, and the placenta; in the axis ; or
if with only one cell, then with the ovula not parietal, but
erect or pendulous.
Sepals with a spur ....
Sepals without a spur.
Leaves with pellucid dots (opposite and entire)
Leaves without pellucid dots.
Embryo lying on the outside of (mealy) albumen
Embryo in the axis of the seed.
Anthers inflexed in aestivation (long-.)
Leaves 1-ribbed. Cotyledons convolute, i
Seeds few - - )
Leaves 3- or more ribbed. Cotyledons fiat, j
Seeds numerous - - - (
Anthers not inflexed in aestivation (roundish.)
Ovula indefinite.
Stamens indefinite.
Seeds without albumen
Seeds with albumen
Stamens definite.
Divisions of the calyx 5 (rarely 4)
Divisions of the calyx 4 -
Ovula definite.
Ovula erect -
Ovula pendulous.
Stamens equal to the sepals, or
fewer.
Albumen wanting-. (Cotyle- )
dons unequal) \
Embryo in the axis of albumen.
Sepals depauperated, with an >
open ssstivation - \
Sepals imbricated. Ovarium )
half superior - $
Embryo minute in the base of
albumen.
Cells of ovarium 2
Cells of ovarium more >
than 2 - $
Stamens some multiple of the sepals.
Stipulae present.
Leaves alternate.
deciduous)
Leaves opposite,
interpetiolar)
Stipulae absent.
Cotyledons convolute
oblong)
Cotyledons flat. (Petals linear)
** Apetal*.
Petals usually absent.
V Ovula indefinite.
Ovarium with several cells.
^Estivation of the calyx valvate - 62. Aristolochi*.
^Estivation of calyx imbricate.
Flowers regular. Leaves exstipulate. Ovarium
superior ....
Flowers irregular. Leaves with large membranous
stipulae ....
Ovarium with 1 cell, and parietal placentas.
Fruit indehiscent - - . - 63. Cytineje.
Fruit dehiscent.
Flowers diclinous or deformed.
Embryo straight - - - 90.
Embryo reniform - - - 89.
Flowers monoclinous.
Stamens perigynous. Leaves dotted - 71. Samydeaje.
10
(Stipulae ) ^
(Stipulae > ro
(Petals ) g-
58.
Halorage*.
BRUNIACEiE.
UMBELHFER.fi.
Araliaceje.
HAMAMELIDE.fi.
Rhizophore.e.
CoMBRETACEjE.
ALANGIE.fi.
138.
157.
Nepenthes.
BEGONIACE.fi.
DATISCE.fi.
Resedace*.
lxxi\
INTRODUCTION.
Stamens hopogynous, unilateral
HIT Ovula definite.
Their point of attachment at or near the apex of the cell.
Valves of the anthers curling upwards
Valves of the anthers bursting- longitudinally.
Ovaria several, distinct in each calyx
Ovaria single, sometimes lobed or spiked, dicli-
nous. Ovula two or more in each cell.
Flowers amentaceous.
Ovarium inferior. Albumen 0
Ovarium superior. Albumen fleshy
Flowers collected upon a fleshy receptacle. )
Ovula always single in each cell - \
Flowers (solitary,) with loose inflorescence.
Ovarium 4-celled
Ovarium 2-celled, indehiscent
Ovarium 3- or many-celled
Ovarium 1-celled.
Calyx many-parted
Calyx tubular.
Calyx superijr
Calyx inferior.
Fruit 2-valved
Fruit indehiscent.
Leaves with stipula:
Leaves without stipula;.
Flowers naked
Flowers in an in vol u- j
cellum - - J
Their point of attachment at or near the base of the cell.
Valves of the anthers curling upwards
Valves of the anthers bursting longitudinal.
Calyx superior -
Calyx inferior.
Stamens combined in a cylinder
Stamens distinct.
Embryo a homogeneous solid mass -
Embryo with distinct radicle and cotyledons.
Radicle at the end remote from the hilum.
Stipula; distinct -
Stipula; ochreate -
Radicle next the hilum.
Stamens hypogynous
Stamens perigynous.
Calyx tubular.
Embryo curved round albumen
Embryo straight.
Stamens opposite the sepals
Stamens alternate with the '
161. Lacistemeje.
21.
19.
82.
81.
La URINES.
Monimeieje.
Cupuliferje.
Stilagineje.
80. Artocarpeje.
61.
79.
165.
64.
67.
72.
65.
66.
20.
87.
14.
61.
78.
156.
Penjeace^ (bis.)
Ulmace.e.
EuPHORBIACEjE.
Ceratophylleje.
Santalaceje.
Aquilahineje
Sanguisorbeje
Thymeljeje.
Hernandieje.
Atherospermeje.
JuGLANDEiE.
JMyristice*.
Pen^ac (bis.)
URTICE.E.
PoLYGONEjE.
158. Nyctagieje.
152.
60.
59.
SCLEHANTHEJE.
PROTEACE.E.
EL2EAGNE2E.
Calyx of several leaves, or deeply
divided.
Embryo without albumen - 155. Petiveraceje.
Embryo curved round albir'ien.
Stamens opposite the sepals.
Albumen mealy - 154. PhytolaccejE.
Stamens alternate with the
sepals.
Calyx scarious, bracteo- j m Amabantacm.
Calyx herbaceous,ebrac-
teatc
Embryo in the axis of fleshy albumen 91. Empetre.e.
153. Chenopode^e.
*** AcHLAMYDEjE
Cahjjo and corolla both absent, at least in Ike pistilliferous floivcrs
Ovarium 2- or more-celled; or if 1-celled, with 2 placenta;.
Seeds indefinite.
Flowers solitary . . - ltj3. Podostemeje.
Flowers amentaceous - - 84. Salicineje.
Seeds definite.
Seeds pendulous - - - 83. Betuline*.
Seeds peltate - - 164. Calmthiciune.e
INTROI>i\'Tin\
Ixxv
Seeds ascending
Ovarium 1-cellcd, with but 1 placenta.
Ovules pendulous.
Leaves opposite. Flowers spiked
Leaves alternate. Flowers amentaceous
Ovules erect.
Embryo naked. Flowers amentaceous
Embryo enclosed in a sac
**** MoNOPETALvE.
Petals cohering; in a tube.
159. Saururee.
160. Chloranthee.
85. Platanee.
86. Myricee.
162. Piperacee.
IT Ovarium more or less inferior.
Ovarium with parietal placenta;.
Placenta; 2. Corolla irregular. Albumen
Placenta; 3. Corolla regular. Albumen 0
Ovarium with the placenta; cither in the axis, or at the apex,
or the base.
Flowers gynandrous -
Flowers npt gynandrous.
Stigma with an indusium.
Seeds indefinite - - -
Seeds definite •
Stigma naked.
Ovarium 1-cclled, with a definite number of ovules.
Ovules erect. Anthers connate
Ovules pendulous.
Stamens alternate with the lobes of the
corolla.
Anthers partly connate. Filaments mona-
delphous ...
Anthers distinct.
Seeds with albumen
Seeds without albumen -
Stamens opposite the lobes of the corolla -
Ovarium 2- or more-celled ; or 1-cellcd, with in-
definite ovules.
Leaves opposite.
With stipuke
Without stipulae.
Seeds definite.
Radicle inferior - - -
Radicle superior
Seeds indefinite
Leaves alternate.
Ovules definite
Ovules indefinite.
Corolla plaited, many-lobed -
Corolla with not more thnn 5 lobes.
Flowers irregular
Flowers regular.
Fruit capsular
Fruit succulent
TIT Ovarium superior.
Jjp Flowers regular.
Ovarium deeply 4-lobed
Ovaria 2, cohering by their stigma
Ovarium entire.
Ovarium 1-celled, without incomplete dissepiments
Placenta; 5, parietal
Placenta free, central, single.
Fruit indehisccnt
Fruit dehiscent - -
Placenta; 2, parietal, or at the bottom of the cavity oi
the ovarium.
Stigma with an indusium
Stigma naked.
Ovulum solitary, pendulous from the tip "t an <
umbilical cord - - - j
Ovula several, attached to two placenta;
Ovarium 2- or more-celled ; or, if 1-celled. with incomph te
dissepiments.
Ovula definite.
209. Gesneree.
181. Cucurbitacee.
177. Styli^ee.
176. Goodenovie.
178. ScEVOLEE.
186. Composite.
187. Calyceree.
184. Dipsacee.
1S5. Valeeianee.
192. LOKANTHE*.
190. ClNCHONTACEE.
189. Stellate.
191. Caprifoliacee.
203. CoLUMELLIACEE.
167. Styracee.
168. Belvisiacee.
175. Lobeliacee.
174. Campanulacee.
172. Vacciniee.
222. Boraginee.
196. Apocynee (bis.)
ISO. Papayacee.
206. iYTyrsinee.
207. Primulacee.
179. Brunoniacee.
L.83. 1'lumbaginee.
226 IIVDROPHYLLEE.
lxxvi
INTRODUCTION.
205.
204.
182.
223.
225.
202.
> 166.
169.
200.
Anthers 1 -celled -
Anthers 2-celled.
Stamens 2.
Seeds pendulous ...
Seeds "erect - - - -
Stamens 4 ; corolla scarious
Stamens 3, or 5, or more.
Seeds peltate - - - -
Seeds pendulous.
Seeds without albumen.
Cotyledons plano-convex -
Cotyledons plaited longitudinally
Seeds with albumen.
Calyx and corolla, 5-lobed
Calyx and corolla, 3-6-lobed.
Stamens some multiple of the lobes
of the corolla - -
Stamens equal in number to the
lobes of the corolla
Seeds erect or ascending.
Corolla imbricated in aestivation. Coty-
ledons plano-convex.
Seed-coat bony, with a long scar on
one side - - -
Seed-coat membranous
Corolla plaited in aestivation. Cotyle- ^
dons shrivelled - $ lyy
Ovula indefinite.
./Estivation contorted.
Corolla not agreeing in the number of its}
divisions with the calyx. Seeds peltate,
sessile - - ■ "
Corolla agreeing with the calyx in the number of
its divisions. Seeds attached to the placenta by
a little cord.
Pollen waxy. Stigma greatly dilated
Pollen powdery. Stigma simple
^Estivation imbricated, plaited, or valvate.
Styles 'several ."-■-.-
Style 1.
Anthers 1-celled
Anthers 2-celled.
Cells of the anther hard and dry, with ap-
pendages. .
Seeds apterous. Embryo in the axis of ?
albumen. (Shrubs.) - - 5 I7°-
Seeds winged. Embryo minute, at the )
base of albumen. (Herbs.) - S l '"'•
Cells of the anther succulent, without
appendages.
Ovarium 3-celled
Ovarium 2- or 4-celled.
Filaments flaccid. Pericarp mem-
branous, dehiscing transversely
Filaments rigid. Pericarp hard
or fleshy.
Leaves alternate
Leaves opposite.
JEstivation valvate
Estivation imbricate or
convolute.
Stipules between the
petioles
Stipule absent
f£^> Flowers irregular.
Ovarium deeply lobed
Ovarium entire. , .
Fruit indehisccnt, or not opening by valves.
Fruit 1-celled - "
Fruit 2- or 4-celled ; the cells all normal.
Radicle inferior
Radicle superior.
Ovules erect -
Ovules pendulous "....' ■ 0 " » i
Fnait with several cells, all of which beyond 2 are £ 215
spurious
Fruit dehiscent.
171. Efacrideje (bis.)
OLEACE.E.
Jasmine*.
Plantagineje (bis.)
194. Loganiace.e (bis.)
Heliotropicee.
Cordiace.e.
224. Ehretiace;e.
Ebenaceje.
Ilicinee.
Sapotee.
Polemoniacee (bis.)
CONVOLVULACEE.
193. Potaliacee.
195.
196.
201.
171.
asclepiadee.
apocyne.e.
Hydroleacee.
Epacrideje.
Ericeje.
200.
182.
213.
198.
[194.
197.
221.
188.
220.
219.
218.
Pyrylaceje.
Polemoniace.e.
Plantaginee.
solaneje.
Spigeliacee.
loganiacee.
Gentianee.
Labiatje.
globularine.e.
Verbenacee.
Selaginee.
Myoporinee.
Pedahnee (bis).
INTRODUCTION.
lxxvii
Ovarium 1-celled, with a central placenta
Ovarium 2-celled, or 1 celled, with two opposite pa-
rietal placentae.
Albumen none.
Seeds attached to rigid hooked processes
Seeds adhering- immediately to the placenta;.
Seeds winged ...
Seeds apterous.
Fruit siliquose, 1-celled, or spuriously
2-celled
Fruit woody, short, spuriously 4- or 6-
celled - - ' -
Albumen present.
Radicle pointing' to the hilum.
Ovarium 2-cclled
Ovarium with more cells than 2
Radicle pointing to the extremity of the seed
which is most remote from the hilum.
Embryo in the axis. Ovarium 2-celled
Embryo minute in the apex. Ovarium j
1-celled i
208. Lentibularije.
214. AcANTHACEJE.
217. BlGNONIACEJE.
216. Cyhtandace-e.
215. Pedalineje.
211. ScROPHULARINEJE.
170. Ericeje (bis).
212. Rhinanthace.k.
210. Orobanche.k.
Tribe II.— GYMNOSPERMLE.
Seeds destitute of a pericarpium.
Resinous. Leaves simple, Trunk branched
Mucilaginous. Leaves pinnated, Trunk unbranched
228. Conifer*.
227. Cvcade*.
Sub-class II. ENDOGENiE, or MONOCOTYLEDONOUS
PLANTS.
Leaves with parallel veins. Stem with no distinction of wood, bark, and pith.
Floxvers with a ternary division. Cotyledon 1 ; or, if 2, alternate.
Tribe I— PETALOIDEiE.
Calyx and corolla both developed, in 3 or 6 divisions ; or, if absent, then the
stamens and pistils naked.
*Tripetaloide^.
Calyx herbaceous.
Corolla petaloid.
Ovarium superior.
Placentae covering the whole lining of the carpella
Placentae occupying the inner suture of the carpella.
Carpella several, distinct - ■
Carpella concrete.
Capsule 3-celled, 3-valved - - -
Capsule 1-celled, with parietal placenta. (Flowers
capitate) -
Ovarium inferior.
Embryo exalbuminous. (Water plants)
Embryo albuminous.
Stamens 6 -
Stamen 1.
Anther 2-celled, terminal -
Anther 1-celled, lateral -
230. Butomeje.
229. Alismace*.
232. Commeline.k.
233. XYBIDEiE.
231. Hydrocharide*.
234. Bromeliace*.
211. ScitaminejB.
242. Marantace*.
Ixxviii
INTRODUCTION.
**Hexapetaloide#:.
Calyx and corolla nearly equal in size, and uniform iu colour ; both fully
developed and petaloid ; (the number of divisions usually 3 or 6.)
Ovarium inferior.
Stamens and style concrete ...
Stamens and style distinct.
Stamens 3, opposite the sepals.
Anthers turned outward, bursting lengthwise
Anthers turned inwards, bursting transevcrsely -
Stamens 5-6, or more ; or if 3, opposite the petals.
Flowers monoclinous.
Veins of the leaves diverging from the midrib
towards the margin
Veins of the leaves~parallel with the midrib.
Perianthium deeply parted, the sepals equitant
with respect to the petals.
Seeds rostellate, with a hard black coat.
Flowers regular
Seeds with a membranous, or soft spongy
coat. Flowers more or less irregular
Parianthium tubular, the sepals not equitant
Flowers diclinous. Perianthium short, spreading
Ovarium superior.
Anthers turned outwards - - -
Anthers turned inwards.
Pariauthium irregular, involute after flowering
Parianthium regular.
Fruit drupaceous, or fibrous. Albumen cartila-
ginous, or fleshy. Embryo included, remote from
the hilum. Leaves divided
Fruit capsular, or succulent. Embryo next the
hilum. Leaves undivided.
Perianthium subglumaceous. Testa pale and
soft. Style 1. -
Perianthium coloured. Testa black and brittle.
Style 1.
Flowers from the axilla; of solitary bractCEe
Flowers surrounded by petaloid bractere
Perianthium dilated and coloured. Testa soft
or spongy. Style 1 .
Styles 3 or 1, trifid. Testa membranous. Leaves
broad. Stem often twining or branching
Fruit capsular. Embryo external, remote from
the hilum. Flowers glumaceous, capitnte
240. Orchide*:.
239.
236.
Irideje.
BuRMANNATEJE.
243. Musaceje.
235. Hypoxide^.
238. Amaryllideje.
237.
250.
245.
246.
H.KMODORACE.E.
DlOSCOREJE.
Melanthace*:.
PONTEDEREjE.
.252. PaLMJE.
244. Junceje.
Asphodeleje.
GlLLIESIEvE.
*** Sfadice^.
Calyx and corolla absent, or imperfectly developed in the form of herba
ceous scales, which are equal in size, and uniform in colour
ber of scales usually 2 or 4.)
(the inn, i
257. Balanophore*:.
Pandaneje.
Ovarium inferior -
Ovarium superior.
Flowers on a spadix.
Fruit consisting of fibrous drupes, collected in par- )
eels into many-celled pericarpia S
Fruit simple, succulent or dry.
Spadix iu a spatha. Anthers subsessilo, cordate. ) ^ An01DE^_
Segments of the perianthium -sessile >
Spadix naked, or nearly so. Anthers cuneatc. ^
Filaments long; lax. SegmeBts of perianthium ^255. Tvphace*.
in the staminiferous flowers unguiculate 5
Plowers on a rachis, or solitary.
Leafy and caulescent.
Ovules pendulous - 258. Ftuvi ai.es.
Ovules erect - - - 259. Juncagine*.
Leafless and stemleas 260- Pistiace*.
INTRODUCTION lxXlX
Tribe II.— GLUMACEiE.
Flowers destitute of true calyx and corolla, but enveloped in imbricated
br acted.
Leaf sheaths entire. Embryo undivided, included within the t .,..., , ■____ . __ _,
albumen. Stein angular S
Leafsheaths slit. Embryo lenticular, on the outside of the al- ) 9g. r;RAMINEjE
bumen, with a naked plumula. Stem cylindrical J
Class tt.— CELLULAEES.
Neither stamens, pistils, flowers, nor spiral vessels.
* FlLICOlDEiE.
A distinct axis and vascular system.
Reproductive organs in terminal cones - - 263. Equisetaceje.
Reproductive organs dorsal, in theca; or naked - 264. Eilices.
Reproductive organs in axillary theca; - - 265. Lycopodjace.e.
Reproductive organs in theca; enclosed within indehiscent ) 2„6 Mahsileaceje
involucra ----■-• y "
** MuscOIDEjE.
A distinct axis, but no vascular system.
Theca closed by an operculum - - 267. Musci.
Theca dehiscing without an operculum - 263. Hepatioe.
Theca indehiscent, deciduous. Branches leafless and verticillate 269. CHAaACE.E.
*** APHYLLiE.
Neither distinct axis nor vascular system.
Aerial; always growing exposed to the air.
Sporules lying in superficial receptacles - 270. Lichenes.
Sporules internal - - - - 271. Fungi. '
Aquatic ; always growing under water - - 272. AlgjE.
THE
NATURAL ORDERS OF PLANTS.
Class I. VASCULARES, or FLOWERING PLANTS.
Cotyledones, Juss. Gen. p. 70. (1789.) — Embryonat>e, Richard. Anal. p. 50. (1808.) — Vas-
culares, Dec. Fl. Fr. 1. 68. (1815); Lindl. Synops. p. 3. (1829.)— Phanerogamous or
Phjenogamous Plants of authors.
• Essential Character. — Substance of the plant composed of cellular tissue, woody fibre,
ducts, and spiral vesseb. Leaves composed of parenchyma, and of veins consisting of woody
fibre and spiral vessels. Cuticle with stomata. Flowers consisting of floral envelopes, sta-
mens, and pistilla. Seeds distinctly attached to a placenta, covered with a testa, and contain-
ing an embryo with one or more cotyledons ; germinating at two fixed points, the plumula
and radicle.
The presence of flowers, of spiral vessels, and of cuticular stomata, will at
all timesjiistinguish these from Cellulares, or flowerless plants, in which ducts
sometimes exist, but which never have spiral vessels. Vasculares approach
Cellulares by Podostemeae, some of which resemble Azolla in habit, by Flu-
viales, which are near Algee, especially by Coniferae and Cycadese, which are
closely akin to Lycopodiaceae and Filices, and also by Casuarina, which must,
in any natural ordination, stand near Equisetaceae. Besides the more obvious
points of difference just adverted to, Vasculares differ from Cellulares in their
embryo ; not, however, in the number of the cotyledons, as is generally sup-
posed in consequence of the common names of Dicotyledones, Monocot^le-
dones, and Acotyledones, but in the germination of the seeds of the two former
always taking place from two fixed points, and in the latter from no fixed point.
Vasculares are divided into the sub-classes Exogenae or Dicotyledonous, and
Endogence or Monocotyledonous plants.
Sub-Class I. EXOGENAE, or DICOTYLEDONS.
Dicotvledonef, Juss. Gen. 70. (1789) ; Desf. Mem. Inst. 1. 478. (1796.) — Exorhizeje and Sy-
norhizeje, Rich. Anal. (1808.) — Dicotyledones or Exogenje, Dec. Theor. p. 209.
(1813.) — PhanerocotyledonejE or SeminiferjE, Agardh. Aph. 74. (1821.)
Essential Character.— Trunk more or less conical, consisting of three parts, one within
the other ; viz. bark, wood, and pith, of which the wood is enclosed within the two others ; in-
creasing by an annual deposit of new wood and cortical matter between the wood and bark.
Leaves always articulated with the stem, often opposite, their veins branching and reticulated.
Flowers, if with a distinct calyx, often having a quinary division. Embryo with two or more
opposite cotyledons, which often become green and leaf-like after germination ; radicle naked,
i. e. elongating into a root without penetrating any external case.
Their reticulated leaves, distinctly articulated with the stem, usually distin-
guish these plants from Endogense, from which they are also known by the
following points : Exogenae have a distinct deposition of pith, wood, and bark ;
Endogenae have all these confounded : Exogenae, if trees, are conical and
branched (example, an Oak) ; Endogenae are cylindrical and simple-stemmed
11
2
(example, a Palm). Besides which, the following characters, although far
less absolute, deserve attention ; Exogenae in germination protrude their radicle
at once ; while in Endogenae it is contained within the substance of the embryo,
through which it ultimately bursts : Exogenae have two or more cotyledons ;
Endogenae have but one. Exogenae approach Endogenae by Grasses and
Asphodeleae, winch branch like themselves, and by Smilaceae and Aroideae,
which have foliage resembling that of many Exogenae. The number of divi-
sions of their flower is hardly ever ternary, but usually some multiple of two,
or four, or five. In this country the trees and shrubs, and larger herbaceous
plants, are nearly all Exogenous ; while our native Endogenee are chiefly con-
fined to grasses, sedges, orchises, bulbs, and submerged water-plants.
Exogenous plants have their seeds either enclosed in a pericarpium (Angio-
spermce), or naked (Gymnospermce.) .
TRIBE I. ANGIOSPERM^E.
These comprehend all Exogenous plants, the seeds of which are enclosed
within a pod, or shell, or coat proceeding from the ovarium ; in short, the
whole of that sub-class, with the exception of Cycadece and Coniferae. They
are all fecundated through the medium of a stigma and style ; while Gymno-
spermae, having no stigma or style, have the vivifying influence of the pollen
communicated directly to the seed through its foramen. The latter must not
be confounded with the naked-seeded plants of Linnaeus, which all belong to
Angiospermae, and winch are either minute fruits, or divisions of a compound
pistillum : they are always known by the presence of a style and stigma.
This tribe is divided into Polypetalous, Apetalous, Achlamydeous, and JVLono-
pefalous plants ; of which the first three may be considered extremely artificial
divisions if taken separately, but forming together a tolerably natural whole ;
while the Monopetalous division is also, in a great measure, natural. I shall
therefore treat of Exogenae under two heads only.
1. POLYPETALOUS, APETALOUS, AND ACHLAMYDEOUS
PLANTS.
Polypetalous plants have both a calyx and corolla ; Apetalous plants have
only a calyx, without a corolla ; and Achlamydeous ones have neither : but
these distinctions are merely artificial, and even in that point of view very
imperfect, — Polypetalous orders constantly containing Apetalous genera, and
orders with the strictest natural affinity differing in the absence or presence of
floral envelopes. Even Decandolle himself suggests (JWtmoire sur les Com-
bretacies, p. 2), that it is doubtful whether the division of Monochlamydeae
(which are the same as Apetalffi) is not entirely artificial.
While, therefore, I have availed myself of these differences in framing the
diagnoses, and forming the artificial table, I have, in the following detailed
account of the orders, thrown the three divisions together, so that the mutual
relations of the orders may be obscured as little as possible. In using the
artificial tables, if an Apetalous plant cannot be referred to any order of Ape-
talse, its place should be sought for among Polypetala?, to some order of which
it will probably be found to be an exception : it is very little likely to belong to
Monopetalae, the Apetalous genera of which are extremely rare. There arc
no plants of Achlamydeoe with a calyx except some Betulinea?, the flowers of
which have a membranous veinless covering, of the nature of a cahyx.
These orders pass into Monopctake through Cn prifoliaceee, among which
Hedera is nearly allied to Araliacea;, and through Salicariae which are very
near Labiatae, Meliaccae which touch upon Styraceae, and Passifloreae which
stand next to Cucurbitaceee.
LIST OF THE ORDERS.
1. Araliaceae.
2. Umbelliferae.
3. Ranunculaceae.
4. Papaveracese.
5. Nympheaceae.
6. NelumbqneEe.
7. Hydropeltideae.
8. Podophyllete.
9. Cruciferae.
10. Fumariaceae.
11. Capparideae.
12. Flacourtianeae.
13. Anonaceae.
14. Myristiceae.
15. Magnoliaceae.
16. "Dilleniaceae.
17. Wintereae.
18. Calycantheae.
19. Monimiete.
20. Atherospernieae.
21. Laurineae.
22. Berberideap,
23. Menispermeae.
24. Malvaceae.
25. Chlenaceae.
26. Bombaceae.
27. Sterculiaceae.
28. Moringeae.
29. Tiliaceae.
30. Elaeocarpeae.
31. Dipterocarpeffi.
32. Ternstromiaceae.
33. Lecythideae.
34. Guttiferae.
35. Marcgraaviacea?.
36. Hypericineae.
37. Reaumuriea?.
38. Saxifragea;.
39. Cunoniaceae.
40. Baueraceae.
41. Bruniaceae.
42. Hamainelidea?.
43. PhiladelpheaB.
44. Escallonieae.
45. Grossulacea?.
46. Cacti.
47. Onagrarias.
48. Halorageaa.
49. Circaaaceae.
50. Ilydrocaryes.
51. Loaseae.
52. Salicariae.
53. Rhizophoreae.
54. Melastomaceae.
55. Memecyleae.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.
91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
101.
102.
103.
104.
105.
106.
107.
108.
109.
110.
Myrtacese.
Combretacese.
Alangieae.
Elaeagneae.
Proteaceae.
Penasaceae.
Aristolochiae.
Cytineae.
Santalaceae.
Thymelaeae.
Hernandiese.
Aquilarinere.
Oiacineae/*
Chailletiaceae.
Homalineae.
Samydeae.
Sanguisorbeae.
Rosacea?.
Poinaceae.
Amygdaleae.
Chrysobalaneae.
Leguminosae.
Uticeae.
Ulmaceae.
Artocarpea?.
Stilaginea?.
Cupuliferae.
Betulineae.
Salicineae.
Plataneae.
Myriceae.
Juglandeae.
Euphorbiaceae.
Resedaceaa.
Datisceae.
Empetreae.
Stackhouseae.
Celastrineae.
Hippocrateacea:.
Brexiaceae.
Rhamneae.
Staphyleaeese.
Hippocastaneae.
Rhizoboleae.
Sapindacea?.
Acerineae.
Erythroxyleae.
Malpighiaceae.
Vites.
Meliacea;.
Cedreleae.
Humiriaceae.
Aurantiacea?.
Spondiaceae.
Connaraceae.
111. Amyrideae.
112. Burseraces?.
113. Anacardiaceap.
114. Xantho.\ylea\
115. Diosmea?.
116. Rutaceae.
117. Coriarieae.
118. Ochnaceae.
119. Zygophylleae.
120. Siinarubaceo?.
121. Pittosporeae.
122. Geraniaceae.
123. Oxalideae.
124. Tropaeoleae.
125. Ilydrocereae.
126. Balsamineae.
127. Vochyacea?.
128. Tremandrese.
129. Polygalese.
180. Violaceae.
131. Passifloreae.
132. Maleshcrbiaceae.
133. Tumeraceae.
134. Cistineae.
135. Bixineae.
136. Sarracennieae.
137. Droseraceae.
138. Nepentheae.
139. Lineae.
140. Caryophylleae.
141. Frankeniaceae.
142. Tamariscineae.
143. Elatineae.
144. Portulaceas.
145. Fouquieraceae.
146. Galacineae.
147. Crassulaceae.
148. Ficoidea?.
149. Nitrariaceos.
150. Illecebrese.
151. Amarantacere.
152. Sclerantheee.
153. Chenopodea^.
154. Phytolaccea>.
155. Petiveracea?.
156. Polygonea?.
157. Begoniacea1.
158. Nyctaginca'.
159. Saururece.
160. Chloranthea?.
101. Lacistemea?.
162. Piperacea?.
163. Podostemea?.
164. Callitricl)inea\
165. Ccratophyllesei
I. ARALIACE^E. The Aralia Tribe.
Arali.2E, Juss. Gen. 217. (1789.) — Aealiaces, A. Richard in Dictionnaire Classique d'His-
toire iXaturelle, 1. 506. (1822.) [Dec. prod. 4. 251. (1830.) J
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium of several cells, pendulous solitary ovula
leaves sheathing at the base, umbellate flowers, and embryo in the base of
fleshy albumen.
Anomalies. None.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, entire, or toothed. Petals definite, 5 or 6, decidu-
ous, valvate in aestivation. Stamens definite, 5 or 6, or 10 or 12, arising- from within the bor-
der of the calyx, and from without an epigynous disk. Ovarium inferior, with more cells
than 2; ovula solitary, pendulous ; styles equal in number to the cells; stigmas simple. Fruit
succulent, or dry, consisting of several 1-seedecl cells. Seeds solitary, pendulous ; albumen
fleshy, having a minute embryo at the base, with its radicle pointing- to the hilum.— Trees,
shrubs, or herbaceous plants, with, in all respects, the habit of Umbelliferse.
Affinities. Distinguished from Umbelliferae solely by their many-celled
fruit and more shrubby habit. Connected with Caprifoliaceffi through Hedera.
Geography. China, India, North America, and the Tropics of the New
World, are the chief abodes of the species of this small order.
Properties. The Ginseng, which is the root of Panax quinquefolium, is
much valued by the Chinese for its beneficial influence upon the nerves, and
for other supposed properties. It is, however, discarded from European prac-
tice. Ainslie, 1. 154. [Bigelow, 1. 82.] There appears to be no reasonable
doubt that the Ginseng has really an invigorating and stimulant powerwhen
fresh. The virtues that are ascribed to it by the Chinese, although perhaps
imaginary to a great extent, are nevertheless founded upon a knowledge of its
good effects : which, after the statements made by Father Jartoux, cannot rea-
sonably be called in question. An aromatic gum resin is exuded by the bark
of Aralia umbellifera, and others.
Examples. Aralia, Gastonia, Panax.
II. UMBELLIFERA. The Umbelliferous Tribe.
U MBELLIFER.E, Juss. Gen. 218. (1789); Koch in N. Act. Bonn. 12. 73. (1824): Dec. and Duby
p. 213. (1828) ; Lindl. Synops. 111. (1829) ; Dec. Memoire (1829.) [Prod. 4. 55. (1830.) ]
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with five perigynous stamens, con-
crete carpella, an inferior didymous ovarium with two styles and solitary pen-
dulous ovula, leaves sheathing at. the base, umbellate flowers, and a minute
embryo in the base of fleshy albumen.
Anomalies. Sometimes there are three carpella
Essential Character.— Calyx superior, either entire or 5-toothed. Petals 5, inserted on
the outside of a fleshy disk ; usually inflcxed at the point ; aestivation imbricate, rarely val-
vate. Stamens 5, alternate with the petals, incurved in aestivation. Ovarium inferior, 2-
cellcd, with solitary pendulous ovula: crowned by a double fleshy disk; styles 2, distinct;
stigmata simple. Fruit consisting of 2 carpella, separable from a common axis, to which
they adhere by their face (the commissure) ; each carpellum traversed by elevated ridges, of
which 5 are primary, and 4, alternating with them, secondary; the ridges are separated by
channels, below which arc often placed, in the substance of the pericarp, certain linear recep-
tacles of coloured oily matter, called ritta. Seed pendulous, usually adhering inseparably to
the pericarpiurn, rarely loose. ; embryo minute, at the base of abundant horny albumen ; radi-
cle pointing to the hilum.— Herbaceous plants, with fistular furrowed stems. Leaves usually
divided, sometimes simple, sheathing at the base. Flowers in umbels, white, pink, yellow, or
blue, generally surrounded by an involucrum.
5
Affinities. It is unnecessary to insist upon the relation of this order and
Araliacae, which scarcely differ. With Saxifrages it agrees in habit, if Hydro-
cotyle is compared with Chrysosplenium, and if the sheathing and divided
leaves of the two orders are considered. To Geraniaceae, Decandolle remarks
that they are allied, in consequence of the cohesion of the carpella around a
woody axis, and of the umbellate flowers which grow opposite the leaves, and
also because the affinity of Geraniaceae to Vites, and of the latter to Araliacea,
is not to be doubted. To me it appears, that the most certain affinity of Umbel-
liferae is with Renunculacea?, with which they agree in habit, in properties, in
the presence of a large quantity of albumen, of solitary seeds in the carpella,
a minute embryo, and distinct styles ; and from which they differ in their infe-
rior fruit and definite perigynous stamens, rather than in any thing else of real
importance. The arrangement of this order has only within a few years ar-
rived at any very definite state ; the characters upon which genera and tribes
could be formed were for a long while unsettled : it is, however, now generally
admitted, that the number and development of the ribs of the fruit, the pre-
sence or absence of reservoirs of oil called vittae, and the form of the albumen,
are the leading peculiarities which require to be attended to. Upon this sub-
ject see Koch's Dissertation, Lagasca in the Otiosas Espanolas and Decan-
dolle's JHemoire, — especially the last. I do not give the characters of the sub-
orders or tribes, because they are rather to be considered artificial divisions than
natural groups.
Geography. Natives chiefly of the northern parts of the northern hemis-
phere, inhabiting groves, thickets, plains, marshes, and waste places. Accord-
ing to the investigation of M. Decandolle, the following is the proportion of
the order found in different parts of the world :
In the Old World . ... 663 ) f
In America 159 f \ In the northern hemisphere 679
In Australia 54 i \ In the southern ditto 205
In scattered islands . . 14 ) '
Properties. The properties of this order require to be considered under
two points of view : firstly, those of the vegetation ; and, secondly, those of the
fructification. The character of the former is, generally speaking, suspicious,
and often poisonous in a high degree ; as in the case of Hemlock, Fool's Pars-
ley, and others, which are deadly poisons. Nevertheless, the stems of the Ce-
lery, the leaves of the Parsley and Samphire, the roots of the Skirret, the Car-
rot, the Parsnep, and the tubers of CEnanthe pimpinelloides and Bunium bulbo,
castanum, are wholesome articles of food. The fruit, vulgarly called the seeds,
is in no case dangerous, and is usually a warm and agreeable aromatic, as Cara-
way, Coriander, Dill, Anise, &c. From the stem, when wounded, sometimes
flows a stimulant, tonic, aromatic, gum resinous concretion, of much use in me-
dicine ; as Opoponax, which is procured from Pastinaca opoponax in the Le-
vant, and Assafoetida from the Ferula of that name in Persia. Gum ammoniac
is supposed to be obtained from Heracleum gummiferum. It is a gum resin of
a pale yellow colour, having a faint but no unpleasant odour, with a bitter,
nauseous taste. Internally applied, it is a valuable deobstruent and expecto-
rant. It is said by Dr. Paris to be, in combination with rhubarb, a useful me-
dicine in mesenteric affections, by correcting viscid secretions. Ainslie, 1. 160.
The substance called Galbanum is produced by some plant of this order, which
is supposed to be what botanists call Bubon Galbanum. It is a stimu-
lant of the intestinal canal and uterus, and is found to allay that nervous
irritability which often accompanies hysteria. Ainslie, I. 143. /Ethusa
Cynapium has been found by Professor Ficinus, of Dresden, to contain a pe-
culiar alkali, which he calls Cynopia. Turner, 654 The fruit of Ligusti-
6
cum ajawain of Roxb. is prescribed in India in diseases of horses and cows.
Jiinslie) 1. 38.
Examples. Chserophyllum, Pastinaca, Eryngium, Hydrocotyle, &c.
III. RANUNCULACEiE. The Crow-Foot Tribe.
Ranunculi, Juss. Gen. (1789.)— Ranunculaceje, Dec. Syst. 1. 127. (1818.) Prodr. 1. 2.
(1824.) Landl. Synops. p.7. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, anthers
bursting by longitudinal slits, several distinct simple carpella, exstipulate
leaves sheathing at their base, solid albumen, and seeds without arillus.
Anomalies. In Garidella and Nigella the carpeha cohere more or less.
In Thalictrum, some species of Clematis, and some other genera, there are no
petals. Pffionia has a persistent calyx.
Essential Character. — Sepals 3-6, hypogynous, deciduous, generally imbricate in aesti-
vation, occasionally valvate or duplicate. Petals 5-15, hypogynous, in one or more rows,
distinct, sometimes deformed in correspondence with metamorphosis in the stamens. Sta-
mens indefinite in number, hypogynous : antlicrs adnate, in the true genera turned outwards.
Pistilla numerous, seated on a torus, 1-celled or united into a single many-celled pistillum ;
ovarium one or more seeded, the ovula adhering to the inner edge ; style one to each ova-
rium, short, simple. Fruit either consisting of dry nuts or caryopsides, or baccate with one
or more seeds, or follicular with one or two valves. Seeds albuminous ; when solitary, either
erect or pendulous. Embryo minute. Albumen corneous. — Herbs, or very rarely shrubs.
Leaves alternate or opposite, generally divided, with the petiole dilated and forming a
sheath half clasping the stem. Hairs, if any, simple. Inflorescence variable.
Affinities. This is an order which has a strong affinity with many
others, some of which are widely apart from each other. Its most imme-
diate resemblance is with Dilleniaces, Magnoliacere, and their allies, to which
it approaches in the position, number, and structure of its parts of fructifica-
tion generally, differing however in an abundance of particulars ; as from
Dilleniaceaj, in the want of arillus, deciduous calyx, and whole habit ; from
Magnoliacea?, in the want of stipulee, and sensible qualities ; from Papavera-
cese and Nymphaacea?, in the distinct, not concrete, carpella, watery, not
milky, fluids, acrid, not narcotic, properties. More distant analogy may be
traced with Rosacea, with which they agree in their numerous carpella, the
number of their floral divisions and indefinite stamens ; but differ in those
stamens being hypogynous instead of pcrigynous, in the presence of large
albumen surrounding a minute embryo, want of stipulaj and acrid properties.
With Umbelliferre they accord in the last particular, and also in their sheath-
ing leaves, habit, and abundant albumen, with a minute embryo ; but those
plants differ in their calyx being concrete with the ovarium, and in their
stamens being invariably definite ; no doubt, however, can be entertained,
that in any really natural arrangement Ranunculacea? and Umbelliferas
should be placed near each other. Another analogy has been indicated
by botanists between this order and Alismacere, with which it agrees in its
numerous ovaria, and in habit ; but that order is monocolyledonous. A great
peculiarity of Ranunculaceae consists in the strong tendency exhibited by
many of the genera to produce their sepals, petals, and stamens, in a state
different from that of other plants ; as, for example, in Delphinium, Aquile-
gia, and Aconitum, in which they are furnishedwith a spur, and in Ranuncu-
lus itself, which has a nectariferousgl and at the base of the petals. An in-
stance is described of the polypetalous regular corolla of Clematis viticella
being changed into a monopetalous irregular one, like that of Labiatae. Nov.
Act. Acad. N. C. 14. p. 642. t. 37.
Geography. The largest proportion of this order is found in Europe,
which contains more than l-5th of the whole ; North America possesses about
]-7th, India l-25th, South America l-17th ; very few are found in Africa, ex-
cept upon the shores of the Mediterranean : eighteen species have, according
to Decandolle, been discovered in New Holland. They characterize a cold,
damp climate, and are, when met with in the Tropics, found inhabiting the
sides and summits of lofty mountains : in the lowland of hot countries they are
almost unknown.
Properties. Acridity, causticity, and poison, are the general characters of
tins suspicious order, which, however, contains species in which those qualities
are so little developed as to be innoxious. The caustic principle is, according
to Krapfen, as cited by Decandolle, of a very singular nature ; it is so volatile
that, in most cases, simple drying, infusion in water, or boiling, are sufficient to
dissipate it : it is neither acid nor alkaline : it is increased by acids, sugar,
honey, wine, spirit, &c, and is only effectually destroyed by water. The
leaves of Knowltonia vesicatoria are vised as vesicatories in Southern Africa.
Ranunculus glacialis is a powerful sudorific ; Aconitum Napellus and Cam-
marum are diuretic. The Hepatica, Aetata racemosa, and Delphinium conso-
lida, are regarded as simple astringents. Dec. The roots of several Helle-
bores are drastic purgatives ; those of the perennial Adonises are, according to
Pallas, emmenagogues ; and those of the several Aconitums, especially Na-
pellus and Cammarum, are acrid in a high degree. Ibid. The root of the
Aconitum of India, one of the substances called Bikh, or Bish, is a most viru-
lent poison. Trans. Med. and Phil. Soc. Calc. 2. 407. Authors are, how-
ever, not well agreed what the precise plant is which produces this Bikh, al-
though all agree in referring it Ranunculaceae. In India, it seems there are
three principal kinds of Bish, varying from each other in their properties, but all
belonging to a genus which Dr. Hamilton refers to Caltha. According to this
author, the Bishma, or Bikhma, is a strong bitter, very powerful in the cure of
fevers : the Bish, Bikh, or Kodoya Bikh, has a root possessing poisonous pro-
perties of the most dreadful kind, whether taken into the stomach, or applied
to wounds : the Nir Bishi, or Nirbikhi, has no deleterious properties, but is
used in medicine. Brewster, 1. 250. For some important information on this
Bikh, Vish, Visha, or Ativisha, which Dr. Wallich considers his Aconitum fe-
rox, see Plant. As. Par. vol. 1. p. 33. tab. 41. The root of Pseony is acrid
and bitter, but is said to possess antispasmodic properties. Ranunculus flam-
mula and sceleratus are powerful epispastics, and are used as such in the Heb-
rides, producing a blister in about an hour and a half. Their action is, how-
ever, too violent, and the blisters are difficult to heal, being apt to pass into ir-
ritable ulcers. Ed. Ph. J. 6. 156. Beggars use them for the purpose of
forming artificial ulcers, and also the leaves of Clematis recta and flammula.
From the seeds of Delphinium staphysagria, the chemical principle called Del
phine was procured by MM. Lassaigne and Fenuelle ; it exists in union with
oxalic acid. Ibid. 3. 305. The root of Hydrastis canadensis has a strong
and somewhat narcotic smell, and is exceedingly bitter ; it is used in North
America as a tonic, under the name of Yellow root. Barton, 2, 203. The
root of Coptis trifolia, or Gold-thread, is a pure and powerful bitter, devoid of
any thing like astringency ; it is a popular remedy in the United States for
aphthous affections of the mouth in children. Ibid. 2. 100. The wood and
bark of Xanthorhiza apiifolia are a very pure tonic bitter. The shrub contains
both a gum and resin, each of which is intensely bitter. Ibid. 2. 203. The
seeds of Nigella sativa were formerly employed instead of pepper ; those of
s
Delphinium Staphisagna are vermifugal and caustic ; those of Aquilegia are
simply tonic. Dec.
M. Decandolle makes the following division in this order :
I. TRUE RANUNCULACEjE.
Anthers bursting outwardly.
§ 1. Clematide.^.
Dec. Sijst. 1. 131. (1818); Prodr. 1.2. (1824.)
JEstivation of the calyx valvate, or induplicate. Petals none, or plane
Carpella indehiscent, 1-seeded, terminated by a bearded tail (which is the in
durated style). Seed pendulous. Leaves opposite.
Examples. Clematis, Naravelia.
§ 2. AnemonejE.
Dec. Syst. 1. 168. (1818); Prodr. 1. 10. (1824.)
Aestivation of calyx and corolla imbricated. Petals none, or plane. Car-
pella 1-seeded, indehiscent, usually terminated by a tail or point. .Seed pendu-
lous. Leaves radical, or alternate.
Examples. Anemone, Thalictrum.
§ 3. RaNUNCULEjE.
Dec. Syst. 1. 228. (1818) ; Prodr. 1. 25. (1824.)
Aestivation of calyx and corrolla imbricated. Petals 2-lipped, or furnished
with an interior scale at the base. Carpella 1-seeded, dry, indehiscent. .Seed
erect. Leaves radical, or alternate.
Examples. Ranunculus, Myosurus.
§ 4. Hellebores.
Dec. Syst. 1. 306. (1818) ; Prodr. 1. 44. (1824.)
Aestivation of calyx and corolla imbricated. Petals either none, or irregu-
lar, 2-lipped, and nectariferous. Calyx petaloid. Carpella capsular, dehiscent,
many-seeded.
Examples. Eranthis, Trollius, Aconitum.
II. SPURIOUS RANUNCULACE^E.
Anthers bursting inwardly.
Examples. Acteea, Xanthorhiza, Pseonia.
IV. PAPAVERACE^E. The Poppy Tribe.
Papaveraceje, Juss. Gen. 236, (1789) in part; Dec. Syst. 2. 67. (1818) ; Prodr. 1. 117. (1824) ;
Lindl. Synops. 16. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, con-
crete carpella, a 1-celled ovarium, narrow parietal placenta^ 2 sepals, and a re-
gular corolla.
Anomalies. Bocconia has no petals, and a monospermous capsule. Hy-
pecoum has the inner petals 3-lobed. Eschscholtzia has perigynous sta-
mens.
Essential Chabacter.— Sepals 2, deciduous. Petals hypogynous, either 4, or some mul-
tiple of that number, placed in a cruciate manner. Stainens hypogynous, cither 8, or some
multiple of 4, generally very numerous, inserted in 4 parcels, one of which adheres to the
base of each petal ; anthers 2-celled, innate. Ovarium solitary; style short, or none ; stigmas
alternate with the placentre, 2 or many ; in the latter case stellate upon the flat apex of the
ovarium. Fruit 1-celled, either pod-shaped, with 2 parietal placentae, or capsular, with several
placentre. Seeds numerous ; albumen between fleshy and oily ; embryo minute, straight at
the base of the albumen, plano-convex cotyledons. — Herbaceous plants or shrubs, with a milky
juice. Leaves alternate, more or less divided. Peduncles long, 1-fiowered ; Jlowers never
blue.
Affinities. The siliquose-fruited genera, such as Glaucium and Esch-
scholtzia, indicate the near affinity of this order to Cruciferre, from which they
differ in the want of a dissepiment to the fruit, in the stamens being indefinite,
and in the presence of copious albumen. Through Papaver they approach Nym-
phaeaceae, and through Sanguinaria Podophyllum, from all which they are dis-
tisguished with facility. Their relationship to Fumariace* is more obscure,
and is only to be understood by considering Cruciferae to be their connecting
link. The anomalies in the order are of little importance, with the exception
of Eschscholtzia, which has its stamens arising from the throat of a flatly
campanula te calyx, instead of being hypogynous: this plant, however, may, in-
stead of being an exception to the character, be considered as affording a proof
that all is not calyx which intervenes between the base of the sepals and the
base of the ovarium. I conceive that it would be more natural to understand
the apparent base of the calyx of Eschscholtzia as a hollow apex of the pe-
duncle ; but if this be admitted, it will become doubtful whether many sup-
posed tubes of the calyx are not hollowed peduncles also ; as, for example, Caly-
canthus, Rosa, Scleranthus, Margyricarpus, &c. I have already made some
remarks upon this subject in the Introduction, which see. A comparison
of the structure of Papaveracece and Cruciferre, by Mirbel, is to be found in the
Ann. des Sc. 6. 266. o
Geography. Europe, in all directions, is the principal seat of Papaveraceas,
almost two-thirds of the whole order being found in it. Two species only are,
according to Decandolle, peculiar to Siberia, three to China and Japan, one to
the Cape of Good Hope, one to New Holland, and six to Tropical America.
Several are found in North America, beyond the tropic ; and it is probable that
the order will yet receive many additions from that region. Most of them are
annuals. The perennials are chiefly natives of mountainous tracts.
Properties. Every one knows what narcotic properties are possessed by
the poppy, and this character prevails generally in the order. Their seed is
universally oily, and in no degree narcotic. The oil obtained from the seeds of
Papaver somniferum is found to be perfectly wholesome, and is, in fact, con-
sumed on the continent in considerable quantity. It is also employed exten-
sively for adulterating olive oil. Its use was at one time prohibited in France
by decrees issued in compliance with popular clamour ; but it is now openly
sold, the government and people having both grown wiser. See Ed. P. J. 2.
17. Meconopsis napalensis, a Nipal plant, is described as being extremely poi-
sonous, especially its roots. Don Prodr. 98. The Sanguinaria canadensis,
or Puccoon, is emetic and purgative in large doses, and in smaller quantities is
stimulant, diaphoretic, and expectorant. Barton, 1. 37. The seeds of Arge-
mone mexicana are used in the West Indies as a substitute for ipecacuanha ;
and the juice is considered by the native doctors of India as a valuable remedy
in ophthalmia, dropt into the eye and over the tarsus ; also as a good applica-
tion to chancres. It is purgative and deobstruent. Ainslie, 2. 43. The Bra-
zilians administer the juice of their Cardo santo, Argemone mexicana, to per-
sons or animals bitten by serpents, but, it would appear, without much success.
Prince JVIax. Trav. 214. The narcotic principle of opium is an alkaline sub-
stance, called Morphia. The same drug contains a peculiar acid, called the
12
10
Meconic ; and a vegetable alkali, named Narcotine, to which the unpleasant
stimulating properties are attributed by Magendie. Turner, 6. 47.
Exajviples. Papaver, Chelidonium, Eschscholtzia.
V. NYMPILEACEiE. The Water Lily Tribe.
Nymphjeaceje, Salisbury, Ann. Bot. 2. p.r69.r(1805) ; Dec. Propr. Med. ed. 2. p. 119. (1816) ;
Syst. 2. 39. (1821) ; Propr. 1. 113. (1824) ; Lindl. Synops. 15. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, con-
crete carpella, a many-celled ovarium, and ovula attached to the face of the
dissepiments.
Anomalies. None.
Essential Character. — Sepals and petals numerous, imbricated, passing gradually into
each other, the former persistent, the latter inserted upon the disk which surrounds the pistil-
lum. Stamens numerous, inserted above the petals into the disk, sometimes forming-, with the
combined petals, a superior monopetalous corolla ; filaments petaloid ; anthers adnate, burst-
ing inwards by a double longitudinal cleft. Disk large, fleshy, surrounding the ovarium
more or less. Ovarium polyspermous, many-celled, with the stigmata radiating from a common
centre upon a sort of flat urceolate cap. Fruit many-celled, indehiscent. Seeds very nume-
rous, attached to spongy dissepiments, and enveloped in a gelatinous arillus. Albumen farina-
ceous. Embryo small, on the outside of the base of the albumen, enclosed in a membranous
bag ; cotyledons foliaceous.— Herbs, with peltate or cordate fleshy leaves, arising from a pros-
trate trunk, growing in quiet waters.
Affinities. There exists a great diversity of opinion among botanists as
to the real structure of this order, and, consequently, as to its affinities. This
has arisep. chiefly from the anomalous nature of the embryo, which is not naked,
as in most plants, but enclosed in a membranous sac or bag. By some, among
whom was the late M. Richard, this sac or bag was considered a cotyledon,
analogous to that of grasses, and enveloping the plumula ; and hence the order
was referred to Endogense, or Monocotyledons, and placed in the vicinity of
Hydrocharidese. By others, at the head of whom are Messrs. Mirbel and De-
candolle, the sac is considered a membrane of a peculiar kind ; and what Rich-
ard and his followers denominate plumula, is for them a 2-lobed embryo, where-
fore they place the order in Exogenee, or Dicotyledons. I do not think it worth
citing all the arguments that have been adduced on each side the question,
as botanists seem now to be generally agreed upon referring Nymphsacese to
Dicotyledons. I observe, however, that Dr. Von Martius adheres to the opinion
that Nymphaeaceae are monocotyledonous, and nearly related to Hydrocharide*.
See Hortus Regius Monaccnsis, p. 25. (1829.) Those who are curious to in-
vestigate the subject are referred to M. Deeandolle's Memoir, in the first
volume of the Transactions of the Physical and Natural History Society of
Geneva. In this place it will be sufficient to advert briefly to the proof that is
supposed to exist of their being Dicotyledons. In the first place, the structure
of the stem is essentially that of Exogense. See Mirbel's examination of the
anatomy of Nuphar luteum, in the Annates de Museum, vol. 16. p. 20 ; and of
Nelumbium, the close affinity of which with Nymphreaeeee no one can possibly
doubt, in the same work, vol. 13. t. 34. In both these plants the bundles of
fibres are placed in concentric circles, the youngest of which are outermost ;
but they all lie among a great quantity of cellular tissue : between each of
these circles is interposed a number of air-cells, just as is found in Myriophyl-
Ium and Hippuris, both undoubted Dicotyledons in the opinion of every body
except Link, who refers the latter to Endogenae (see Geivachsk. 6. p. 288).
Secondly, the leaves are those of Dioctyledons, and so is their convolute verna-
tion, which is not known in Monocotyledons, and their insertion and distinct ar-
11
ticulation with the stem. Thirdly, the flowers of Nymphaeaceaj have eo great
an analogy generally with Dicotyledons, and particularly with that of Magno-
hace«, and their fruit with Papaveracere, that it is difficult to doubt their belong-
ing to the same class. ^Fourthly, the reasons which have been offered for con
sidering the embryo monocotjdedonous, however plausible they may have
appeared while we were unacquainted with the true structure of the ovu-
lum of plants, have no longer the importance that they were formerly supposed
to possess. The sac, to which I.Jaave already alluded, to which so much unne-
cessary value has been attached, and which was mistaken for a cotyledon by
Richard, is no doubt analogous to the sac of Saururus and Piper, and is nothinr
more than the remains of the innermost of the membranous coats of the ovulum,
usually indeed absorbed, but in this and similar cases remaining and covering
over the embryo. Mr. Brown {Appendix to King's Voyage) considers it the
remains of the membrane of the amnios. M. Decandolle assigns a further
reason for considering Nymphseaceee Dicotyledons, that they are lactescent, a
property not known in Monocotyledons. But in this he is mistaken ; Limno-
charis, a genus belonging to Butomeaa, is lactescent. Independently of the
peculiarities to which I have now alluded, this order is remarkable in some
other respects. It offers one of the best examples which can be adduced of
the gradual passage of petals into stamens, and of sepals into petals : if atten-
tively examined, the transition will be found so gradual that many intermediate
bodies will be seen to be neither precisely petals nor stamens, but both in part.
The development of the disk, which is so remarkable in Nelumboneae, takes
place here in various degrees. In some, as in Nuphar, it is merely an hypogy-
nous expansion, out of which grow the stamens and petals ; in others, as Nym-
phaea, it elevates itself as high as the top of the ovarium, to the surface of
which it is adnate, and as the stamens are carried up along with it, we have
these organs apparantly proceeding from the surface of the ovarium : in another
genus, the Barclaya of Dr. Wallich, the petals are also carried up with the
stamens, on the outside of which they even cohere into a tube, so that in this
genus we have a singular instance of an inferior calyx and a superior corolla in
the same plant. Supposing this order to be exogenous and dicotyledonous, a
fact about which there appears to me to be no doubt, its immediate affinity will
be with Papaveraceae, with some genera of which it agrees in the very
compound nature of the fruit, from the apex of which the sessile stigmas radiate,
in the presence of narcotic principles and a milky secretion, and in the great
breadth of the placentae. They are also closely akin to Magnoliaceae, with which
they agree in the imbricated nature of the petals, sepals, and stamens; to
Nelumboneae their close resemblance is evident ; with Ranunculaceae they
are connected through the tribe of Preonies, with which they agree in the dilated
state of the discus, which, in Pasonia papaveracea and Moutan, frequently rises
as high as the top of the ovaria, and in the indefinite number of their hypogynous
stamens ; but in Ranunculaceae the placentae only occupy the edge of each of
the carpella of which the fruit is made up ; so that in Nigella, in which the
carpella cohere in the centre, the seeds are attached to the axis, while in Nym-
phaeaceae the placental occupy the whole surface of each side of the individual
carpella of which the fruit is composed. But if such are the undoubted imme-
diate affinities of Nymph aeaceaj, it is certain that some strong analogies exist
between them and Hydrocharideae, to the vicinity of which they are referred
by those who believe them to be Monocot_yledonous. Taking Nelumboneae
for a transition order, they have some relation to Alismacere, the only monoco-
.tyledonous order in which there is an indefinite number of carpella in each
flower, and to FtydrocharideaB, with which they agree in the structure, though
not the vernation, of their leaves, and their habit. An analogy of a similar
nature with this last may be also traced between them and Menyantheae.
12
Geography Floating plants, inhabiting the whole of the northern hemi-
sphere, occasionally met with at the southern point of Africa, but generally
rare in the southern hemisphere, and entirely unknown on the continent of
South America.
Properties. The whole of this order has the reputation of being anti-
aphrodisiac, sedative, and narcotic — properties not very clearly made out, but
generally credited. Their stems are certainly bitter and astringent, for which rea-
son they have been prescribed in dysentery. J^fter repeated washings they are
capable of being used for food. Dec. — A. R.
Examples. Nympheea, Nuphar.
VI. NELUMBONE.E.
Nymhhjeaces, § Nelumboneae, Dec. Syst. 2. 43. (1821) ; Prodr. 1. 113. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, distinct
simple carpella immersed in a fleshy 'dilated torus, and floating leaves.
Anomalies. None.
Essential Character. — Sepals 4 or 5. Petals numerous, oblong, in many rows, arising
from without the base of the disk. Stamens numerous, arising from within the petals, in
several rows ; filaments petaloid ; anthers adnate, bursting inwards by a double longitudinal
cleft. Disk fleshy, elevated, excessively enlarged, enclosing in hollows of its eubstance the
ovaria, which are numerous, separate, monospermous, with a simple style and stigma. Nuts
numerous, half buried in the hollows of the disk, in which they are, however loose. Seeds
solitary, or rarely 2 ; albumen none ; embryo large, with two fleshy cotyledons and a highly
developed plumula, enclosed in its proper membrane. — Herbs, with peltate fleshy leaves arising
from a prostrate trunk, growing in quiet waters.
Affinities. Closely related to Nymphceacese, with which they were
usually united. They differ entirely in the structure of their fruit, but agree in
their foliage and flowers. The order consists of a single genus. See Nym-
pheeaeeae.
Geography. Natives of stagnant or quiet waters in the temperate and tro-
pical regions of the northen hemisphere, both in the Old and the New World ;
most abundant in the East Indies. They were formerly common in Egypt, but
are now extinct in that country, according to Delile.
Ppoperties. Chiefly remarkable for the beauty of the flowers. The fruit
of Nelumbium speciosum is believed to have been the Egyptian bean of Py-
thagoras. The nuts of all the species are eatable and wholesome. The root,
or, more properly, the creeping stem, is used as food in China.
Example. Nelumbium.
VII. HYDROPELTIDE.E.
Cabombe/e, Rich. Anal. Fr. (1808,)— Podophyllace*, § Hydropeltidea, Dec. Syst. 2. 36.
(1821); Prodr. 1. 112.(1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, anthers
bursting by longitudinal slits, several distinct simple carpella, exstipulate float-
ing leaves not sheathing at the base, solid albumen, and seeds without arillus.
Anomalies. None.
Essential Character.— Sepals 3 or 4, coloured inside. Petals 3 or 4, alternate with the
sepals. Stamens definite or indefinite, hypogynous, arising from an obscure torus; anthers
13
linear turned inwards, continuous with the filament. Ovaria 2 or more, terminated by a
short style. Fruit indehiscent, tipped by the indurated style. Seeds definite, pendulous ; em-
bryo fungilliform, seated at the base of firm, somewhat fleshy albumen. — Aquatic plants, with
floating leaves. Flowers axillary, solitary, yellow or purple.
Affinities. Their nearest relation is to Nymphamceae, from which they
are known by their definite seeds and distinct carpella. From Podophylleae,
to which they are united by Decandolle, they differ in their floating habit, de-
finite seeds, and numerous ovaries. In the affinities of both these orders they
otherwise partake. According to Richard, Cabomba in a monocotyledon : Hy-
dropeltis is clearly related closely to Caltha.
Geography. American water-plants, found from Cayenne to New Jersey.
The whole order consists of but two species.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Hydropeltis, Cabomba.
VIII. PODOPHYLLEAE
Popophvllace* § Podophyllese Dec. Syst. 2. 32. (1821); Prodr. 1. 111. (1824); Von Mar-
tius H. Reg. Monac .(1829) ; a sect, of Papaveracece.
Diagnosis. Polypetaloug dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, anthers
bursting by longitudinal slits, a solitary simple carpellum, extipulate leaves,
solid albumen, and seeds without arillus.
Anomalies. None. [In Jeffersonia, according to Dr. Hooker, the cells
of the anthers are valvular.]
Essential Character. — Sepals 3 or 4, deciduous or persistent. Petals in two or three rows
each of which is equal in number to the sepals. Stamens hypogynous, 12-18, arranged in
two, three, or more rows ; filaments filiform ; anthers linear or oval, terminal, turned inwards,
bursting by a double longitudinal line. Torus not enlarged. Ovarium solitary ; stigma
thick, nearly sessile, somewhat peltate. Fruit succulent or capsular, 1-celled. Seeds inde-
finite, attached to a lateral placenta, sometimes having an arillus ; embryo small, at the basa
of fleshy albumen.— Herbaceous plants. Leaves broad, lobed. Flowers radical, solitary,
white.
Affinities. Very nearly allied to the herbaceous genera of Berberidea?,
from which they scarcely differ, except in the dehiscence of their anthers.
From Papaveracece, to which they have been recently referred by Von Mar-
tius, they are known by their watery, not milky, juice, by their solitary unilate-
ral placentae, and by their fleshy, not oily, albumen. From Ranunculacea;
they are divided, among other characters, by their anthers bursting inwardly ;
in which, however, they agree with Decandolle's spurious genera, which that
author suspects might be better even referred to Podophyllese. Hj^dropelti-
deae, which are joined to them by that learned botanist, are here considered a
distinct order.
Geography. All inhabitants of the marshes of North America.
Properties. The root of the May Apple, Podophyllum peltatum, is one
of the most safe and active cathartics that is known, Barton, 2, 14. Jeffer-
sonia is also purgative. Dec and.
Examples. Podophyllum, Jeffersonia.
14
IX. CRUCIFER^E. The Cruciferous Tribe
Crucifeb*. Juss. Gen. 237. (1789); Dec. Memoire sur les Cruciferes (no date) ; Syst.2. 139.
(1821) ; Prodr. 131, (1824) ; Lindl. Synops. 20. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous tetradynamous
stamens.
Anomalies. Schizopetalum has 4 cotyledons; sometimes the petals are
abortive.
Essential Character. — Sepals 4, deciduous, cruciate. Petals 4, cruciate, alternate with
the sepals. Stamens 6, of which two are shorter, solitary, and opposite the lateral sepals, oc-
casionally toothed ; and four longer, in pairs, opposite the anterior and posterior sepals ; gene-
rally distinct, sometimes connate, or furnished with a tooth on the inside. Disk with various
green glands between the petals and the stamens and ovarium. Ovarium superior, unilocular,
with parietal placentje usually meeting in the middle, and forming a spurious dissepiment.
Stigmata two, opposite the placenta. Fruit a siliqua or silicula, 1 -celled, or spuriously
2-celled ; 1- or many-seeded ; dehiscing by two valves separating from the replum ; or inde-
hiscent. Seeds attached in a single row by a funiculus to each of the placentse, generally pen-
dulous. Albumen none. Embryo with the radicle folded upon the cotyledons. — Herbaceous
plants, annual, biennial, or perennial, very seldom suffruticose. Leaves alternate. Flowers
usually yellow or white, seldom purple.
Affinities. This order is among the most natural that are known, and its
character of having what Linneean botanists call tetradynamous stamens is
scarcely subject to exception. It has a near relation to Capparideee, Papave-
raceee, and Fumariaceee. With Capparideee it agrees in the number of the
stamens of some species of that order, in the fruit having two placentse and a
similar mode of dehiscence, and in the quaternary number of the divisions of
the flower. To Papaveraceee, it approaches in the number of the petals, an
unusual number to prevail in dicotyledonous plants, and again in the structure
of the fruit of some genera of that order, such as Glaucium and Chelidonium.
With the siliquose-fruited Fumariacese it has much analogy, and even with
the whole of that order in the number of its petals, supposing the common
opinion of the nature of the floral envelopes of Fumariaceee to be correct, or
in the binary division of its flower, from which the quaternary is only a slight
deviation, upon the hypothesis I have suggested in speaking of that order.
Cruciferee may be said to be characterized essentially by their deviation from
the ordinary symmetry observable in the relative arrangement of the parts of
fructification of other plants, — deviations which are of a very interesting na-
ture. Their stamens are arranged thus : two stand opposite each of the ante-
rior and posterior sepals, and one opposite each of the lateral sepals ; there
being 6 stamens to 4 sepals, instead of either 4 or 8, as would be normal.
Now in what way does this arise ? is the whorl of stamens to be considered
double, one of the series belonging to the sepals, and one to the petals, and, of
these, one imperfect 1 I am not aware of any such explanation having been
offered, nor do I know of any better one. It appears to me that the outer series
is incomplete, by the constant abortion of the stamens belonging to the anterior
and posterior sepals. But it is in their fruit that their great peculiarity consists.
I transcribe the following observations upon this subject from the Botanical
Register, fol. 1168, in which I have entered in some detail into the inquiry.
" It is well known, that in regularly-formed fruits the style or stigma univer-
sally and necessarily alternates with the placenta, for reasons which it would
be superfluous to insist upon in this place. But in Cruciferae the stigmata are
opposite to the placenta?, terminating a sort of frame or replum, the two sides
of which are often connected by a membranous septum, on the outside of
which latter the ovula are arranged in a single row on each side ; so that in
15
many of the more highly developed plants of the order there are four placen-
tae opposed to each other by pairs, and forming the inner edge of each side of
the replum, which itself terminates in the stigmas. To this replum is attached
on each side a deciduous plate, or valve as it is called, which has no vascular
connection with either the replum, stigmata, or pedicel. In consequence of
this singular arrangement of parts, it has been found extremely difficult to un-
derstand the exact nature of the Cruciferous pist ilium, or to reduce it to the rules
which are known to govern the formation of other compound pistilla.
" According to Mr. Brown, and, after him, to M. Decandolle, the pistillum of
Cruciferae is to be understood to consist of two confluent ovaria, united by their
placenta?, two lamella? from each of which project into the cavity of the ova-
rium, and, meeting in the centre, coalesce and form the septum. This, how-
ever, does not remove the difficulty of the stigmata being opposite the placen-
ta?, instead of alternate with them. I am not aware that any explanation of
this point has been published by Mr. Brown ; but M. Decandolle {Thtorie EU-
mtntaire, ed. 1. p. 133) accounts for it thus. He assumes that there are seve-
ral kinds of simple pistilla, some of which are not to be found in an isolated
state, but the possible existence of which he conceives to be demonstrated by
certain compound pistilla, that cannot be reduced to their simplest state without
the admision of such a position. Among these supposititious simple pistilla,
is one called the Siliqnelle, ' which is formed originally of three pieces, the two
lateral producing ovula on their inner surface, and the outer (intermediate)
one bearing no ovula ; pistilla of this description make up the fruit of Nym-
phaeaceae, Papaveraceae, and Cruciferae. When two pistilla of this kind are
united by the external edge of their lateral pieces, they form those fruits which
are said to have intervalvular placenta? ; each of these double placenta? is
elongated into a style or stigma, simple in appearance, but in reality formed by
two half styles grown together.'
" To maintain this theory, it is necessary to assume, in the first place, the ex-
istence of a simple pistillum, of structure not only entirely hypothetical, but op-
posed to all we know of vegetable organization ; and, in the next place, that
the stigmata of the order, although so simple in appearance that no trace what-
ever of composition can be found in them, are, nevertheless, each composed of
two half stigmata in a state of cohesion.
" To us this explanation has always been unsatisfactory. It was difficult to
believe that rules of structure, well ascertained to be uniform in other plants
should be deviated from in Cruciferae, especially when the irregularity obser-
vable in the arrangement of other parts of their flower was taken into account.
It always appeared more probable, that the anomalous nature of the pistillum
depended upon some irregularity corresponding to that of the stamens, than
upon peculiar laws appertaining to Cruciferae alone.
" This seems to be at length proved by Eschscholtzia, the fruit of which is
so similar to that of Cruciferae, that the uniformity of the laws under which
they are both formed is not likely to be disputed. In this plant the pistillum is
unilocular, with four stigmata, of which the two opposite ones are smaller than
the two others. Upon opening this pistillum we find that there are two parietal
placentae corresponding with the smaller stigmata, and that there are no pla-
centa? opposite the larger stigmata ; in other words, that it is formed of four
simple pistilla, two of which are opposite and ovuliferous, with their placenta?
in the usual place, alternating with themselves ; and two nearly abortive, des-
titute of placenta?, consequently not ovuliferous, and so nearly suppressed by
the superior energy of their two neighbours, that their existence would have
been unknown but for the sigmata which indicate their presence. This is one
way of understanding Eschscholtzia ; but as the ovula are not inserted in the
placenta? in a double row, but rather confusedly arranged in several rows, it
16
may also be assumed that the lateral, imperfect, half-obliterated stigmata have
a line of placentas, with ovula appertaining to themselves, but so confounded
with the placenta? of their lateral and more powerful neighbours, that, in con-
sequence of their close approximation, they cannot be distinguished. We,
however, incline to the former of these two opinions. Let this be as it may,
upon either supposition, the structure of Cruciferous pistilla is, we think, sus-
ceptible of explanation. We shall for convenience, reason upon the former of
the two hypotheses.
" If we compare the fruit of Eschscholtzia and Cruciferas, we shall at first,
perhaps, be led to believe that while they have a certain degree of resemblance
in some points, they nevertheless differ widely in others of more importance :
we find both of them with two opposite parietal placenta, connected with a
quaternary arrangement of the other parts of the flower, and that in both in-
stances their placentae are opposite to stigmata. But we also see that in Cru-
ciferae dehiscence takes place by the separation of two valves from the sides of
the siliqua, leaving the placentas undivided ; while in Eschscholtzia it takes
place through each placenta, half of which, therefore, adheres to each edge of
the two valves into which the fruit finally separates. But if we look into their
structure a little more narrowly, we shall perhaps find that these differences
are not only capable of reconciliation, but that they explain each other.
" The fruit of Cruciferas is separable into four parts ; that is to say, into two
valves without stigmata, and two double placentas without valves : in Esch-
scholtzia there are two valves with placenta? and stigmata, and two stigmata
without valves or placentas. But suppose that the two valves of Cruciferas had
stigmata, as they should have (and a tendency to produce which actually ex-
ists in Iberis umbellata), and that the two stigmata of Eschscholtzia had valves,
as would be regular, what would then be the difference between the two 1 It
would be reduced to nearly this : that in Eschscholtzia the two placentiferous
pieces would occupy the greater part of the pericarpium, the two sterile valves
being very small ; while in Cruciferas the two placentiferous pieces would be
very small, the chief part of the pericarpium being occupied by the sterile
valves."
Such was the idea I was led, by the curious structure of Eschscholtzia, to
entertain in 1828, upon the fruit of Cruciferas. I am aware that it is possible
to explain the peculiar economy of the replum of Cruciferas by that of Carmi-
chaelia, and that the line of dehiscence in fruit is no evidence of the plan upon
which it has been constructed. I also know that a less paradoxical way of
understanding the structure of the Siliqua, is to take two confluent carpella,
each of which has a 2-lobed or 2-horned stigma, for the type of such a fruit ;
upon which supposition each apparent stigma of the siliqua will be made up of
two halves : and moreover I have been shown by Mr. Brown some instances
of monstrous formation, which seem to confirm such an opinion. Neverthe-
less, I wish to record, in this book, my view of the subject, whether it shall be
ultimately found to be accurate or inaccurate, for the following reasons. In
the first place, it will show young botanists how narrowly it is necessary for
them to observe the structure of plants, and how indispensable it is to bear
constantly in mind the analogies that exist between the formation of one plant
and another ; in the second place, by pursuing the discussion, I hope to induce
some one to set the question at rest, by means of such demonstration as it is
capable of receiving ; and thirdly, I still retain my opinion, notwithstanding
what I have seen and heard since it was formed ; relying chiefly upon the pe-
cubarities of Eschscholtzia, which seems to me to be so intimtely connected
with the question at issue, and so obviously formed upon the same plan as
Cruciferas, whatever that plan may be, that what can be shown to be true of
one must be true of the other.
17
Almost all Crucifene have the calyx imbricated in aestivation ; but Mr.
Brown has noticed (Denkam, p. 7.) that in Savignya and Ricotia it is valvate.
It is a very common character of Cruciferse to be destitute of bractece.
Geography. An order eminently European ; 166 species arc found in
northern and middle Europe, and 178 on the northern shore or islands of the
Mediterranean ; 45 are peculiar to the coast of Africa, between Mogador and
Alexandria; 184 to Syria, Asia Minor, Tauria, and Persia; 99 to Siberia ;
35 to China, Japan, or India ; 16 to New Holland and the South Sea Islands ;
6 to the Isle of France and the neighbouring islands ; 70 to the Cape of Good
Hope ; 9 to the Canaries or Madeira ; 2 to St. Helena ; 2 to the West Indies ;
41 to South America ; 48 to North America ; 5 to the islands between North
America and Kamtchatka ; and 35 are common to various parts of the world.
This being their general geographical distribution, it appears that, exclusive of
species that are uncertain, or common to several different countries, about 100
are found in the southern hemisphere, and about 800 in the northern, or 91 in
the new, and the rest in the old world. Finally, if we consider them with le-
gard to temperature, we shall find that there are, —
In the frigid zone of the northern hemisphere 205
In all the tropics (and chiefly in mountainous regions) 30
In the temperate zone \ °j ^ £8S £»■**?■ ■ «g J 6M
Such were the calculations of Decandolle in 1821 (Syst. 2. 142). Although
requiring considerable modification, especially in the Siberian and North Ame-
rican numbers, which are much too low, they serve to give a general idea of
the manner in which the order is dispersed over the globe.
Properties. The universal character of Crucifera? is to posses anti-scor-
butic and stimulant qualities, combined with an acrid flavour. These are so
uniform, that I shall only offer some very general remarks tipon them; for which
I am chiefly indebted to Decandolle's Essai sur les Propriety's JVIedicales des
Plantes, to which I refer those who wish for more information. Crucifera? con-
tain a great deal of azote, to which it is supposed is due their animal odour
when rotting. Mustard, Cress, Horseradish, and many others, are extremely
stimulating and acrid. The seeds of Sinapis chinensis are considered by Hin-
doo and Mahometan practitioners as stimulant, stomachic, and laxative. Jlins-
lie, 1 . 230. The seeds of one species of Arabis (chinensis Iioltler) are pre-
scribed by the Indian doctors as stomachic and gently stimulant ; but they
apprehend its bringing on abortion if imprudently given. Ibid. 2. 12. When
the acrid flavour is dispersed among an abundance of mucilage, various parts
of these plants become a wholesome food ; such as the root of the Radish and
the Turnip, the herbage of the Water-cress, the Cabbage, the Sea-kale, and
the stems of various plants of the cabbage tribe. Prince Maximilian, of Wied
Neuwied, relates that the Brazilian Indians use a kind of cress, which in taste
resembles that of Europe, as a good remedy for asthma. Travels, 1. 35.
Their seeds universally abound in a fixed oil, which is expressed from some
species, as the Rape, for various economical purposes.
Linnaeus divided this order, which is the same as his Tetfadynaihia, by the
form of the fruit, under two heads, bearing the names of Siliquosa and Silicu-
losa. More recently, divisions have been founded upon the nature of the pli-
cature of the cotyledons, and the position of the radicle with respect to them.
It is difficult to say what degree of importance really deserves to be attached
to these characters, which are however in general use, and which will probably
continue to be employed for the purpose of distinction.
The following are the modifications used by Decandolle
1. The cotyledons arc flat, with the radicle lying upon their edges. (Pleu-
rorhizeee.)
Examples. Cheiranthus, Arabis, Alyssum.
13
18
2. The cotyledons arc flat, with the radicle lying upon their back. (JVolor-
hize(B.)
Examples. Sisymbrium, Erysimum, Lepidiuin.
3. The cotyledons are folded lengthwise. (Ortlwploceee.)
Examples. Brassica, Sinapis, Vella.
4. The cotyledons are coiled up spirally. (Spirolobea.)
Examples. Bunias, Erucaria.
5. The cotyledons, instead of being coiled up spirally, or folded lengthwise,
are bent double. (DiplecolobecB.)
Examples. Heliophila, Subularia.
X. FUMARIACEiE. The Fumitory Tribe.
Fumariace^e, Dec. Syst. 2. 105. (1821.) ; Prodr. 1. 125. (1824) ; Lindl. Synops. 18. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with a definite number of hypogy-
nous diadelphous stamens, concrete carpelia, a 1 -celled ovarium, narrow parie-
tal placentae, 2 sepals, and an irregular corolla.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Sepals 2, deciduous. Petals 4, cruciate, parallel; the 2 outer,
either one or both, saccate at the base; the 2 inner callous and coloured at the apex, where
they cohere and enclose the anthers and stigma. Stamens 6, in two parcels, opposite the outer
petals, very seldom all separate ; anthers membranous, the outer of each parcel 1-celled, the
middle one 2-celled. Ovarium superior, 1-celled ; ovula horizontal ; style filiform ; stigma
with two or more points. Fruit various; either an indehisccnt l-or2-seeded nut, or a 2-
valved polyspermous pod. Seeds horizontal, shining', with an arillus. Albumen fleshy. Em-
bryo minute, out of the axis ; in the indehiscent fruit straight; in those which dehisce some-
what arcuate. — Herbaceous plants, with brittle stems and a watery juice. Leaves usually al-
ternate, multifid, often with tendrils. Mowers purple, white, or yellow.
Affinities. The following are M. Decanrlolle's remarks upon this subject
(Syst. 2. 106.) : " Fumariacese are very near Papaveraceae, on account of their
2-leaved deciduous calyx, of the structure of the fruit of such species as
dehisce, and of their fleshy albumen ; but they differ, firstly, in then juice
being watery, instead of milky ; secondly, in their petals being usually irregu-
lar and in cohesion with each other ; thirdly, in their diadelphous stamens,
which bear indifferently 1- and 2-celled anthers." The same learned writer
also points out the affinity that exists between them and Cruciferae, which
differ chiefly in the arrangement of their stamens, in the number of the leaves
of the calyx, in their regular petals and exalbuminous seeds. I am, however,
inclined to suspect, that the floral envelopes of Fumariaceae are not rightly de-
scribed. I am by no means sure that it would not be more consonant to ana-
logy to consider the parts of their flower divided upon a binary plan ; thus
understanding the outer series of the supposed petals as calyx, and the inner
only as petals ; while the parts now called sepals are perhaps more analogous
to bracteae ; an idea which their arrangement, and the constant tendency of the
outer series to become saccate at the base, which is not uncommon in the calyx
of Crucifera?, but never happens, as far as I know, in their petals, would seem
to confirm. Of this, some further evidence may be found in the stamens.
These are combined in two parcels, one of which is opposite each of the divi
sions of the outer series, and consists of one perfect 2-celled anther in the mid-
dle and two lateral 1-celled ones : now, supposing the lateral 1-celled anthers
of each parcel to belong to a common stamen, the filament of which is split
by the separation of the two parcels, an hypothesis to which I do not think
any objection can be entertained, we shall find that the number of stamens of
19
Fumariaceae is 4, one of which is before each of the divisions of the flower ;
an arrangement which is precisely what we should expect to find in a nor-
mal flower consisting of 2 sepals and 2 petals, and the reverse of what
ought to occur if the divisions of the flower were really all petals, as has been
hitherto believed.
The economy of the fructification of Fumariaceae is remarkable. The
stamens are in two parcels, the anthers of which are a little higher than the
stigma ; the two middle ones of these anthers are turned outwards, and do not
appear to be capable of communicating their pollen to the stigma ; the four
lateral ones are also naturally turned outwards, but by a twist of their filament
their face is presented to the stigma. They are all held firmly together by the
cohesion of the tops of the flower, which, never unclosing, offer no apparent
means of the pollen being disturbed so as to be shed upon the stigmatic surface.
To remedy this inconvenience, the stigma is furnished with two blunt horns,
one of which is inserted between and under the cells of the anthers of each par-
cel, so that without any alteration of position on the part of either organ, the
mere contraction of the valves of the anthers is sufficient to shed the pollen
upon that spot where it is required to perform the office of fecundation.
This order offers every gradation, from monospermous to polyspermous fruit,
and between indehiscence, as in fumaria itself, and dehiscence, as in Corydalis.
Geography. Their principal range is in the temperate latitudes of the
northern hemisphere, where they inhabit thickets and waste places. Two are
found at the Cape of Good Hope.
Properties. The character of Fumariacere is, to be scentless, a little
bitter, in no degree milky, and to act as diaphoretics and aperients. Dec.
The root, of Fumaria cava and Corydalis tuberosa has been found to contain a
peculiar alkali called Corydalin. Turner, 653.
Examples. Fumaria, Diclytra, Corydalis.
XI. CAPPAPJDE^E. The Caper Tribe.
Capparide*, Jilss. Gen. 242. (1789) ; Ann. Mus. 18. 474. (1811) ; Dec. Proclr. 1. 237. (1824).
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, con-
crete carpella, a 1-celled pedicellate, ovarium, narrow simple parietal placenta*,
a continuous enlarged disk, reniform seeds.
Anomalies. Some species of Niebuhria, Mserua, Boscia, Cadaba, and
Thylacium, have no petals. The stamens are occasionally tetradynamous,
according to Decandolle.
Essential Character. — Sepals 4, either nearly distinct, equal, or unequal, or cohering- in
a tube, the limb of which is variable in form. Petals 4, cruciate, usually unguiculate and
unequal. Stametis almost perigynous, very seldom tetradynamous, most frequently arranged
in some high multiple of a quaternary number, definite or indefinite. Disk hemispherical, or
elongated, often bearing glands. Ovarium stalked; style none, or filiform. Fruit either
podshaped and dehiscent, or baccate, 1-celled, very rarely 1-seeded, most frequently with 2
polyspermous placenta;. Seeds generally reniform, without albumen, but with the lining of
the testa tumid, attached to the margin of the valves ; embryo incurved ; cotyledons fohaceous,
Qattiah.— Herbaceous plants, shrubs, or even trees, without true stipula;, hut sometimes with
spines in their place. Leaves alternate, stalked, undivided, or palmate. Flowers in no parti-
cular arrangement.
Affinites. Distinguished from Cruciferae by their stamens being often in-
definite, if definite never tetradynamous, or scarcely ever, and by their reniform
seeds. They are related to Passiflorere in their stipitate ovarium, and fleshy
indehiscent fruit with parietal polyspermous placentae ; to Flacourtiaceae in the
20
structure of their fruit, parietal placentae, and indefinite stamens : from these
last they are known by their narrow placentae, exalbuminous seeds, and pecu-
liar habit ; and from the former by a number of obvious characters. Mr.
Brown remarks, (Denham, 15,) that some species of Capparis, of which C.
spinosa is an example, have as many as 8 placentae.
Geography. These are chiefly found in the tropics and in the countries
bordering upon them, where they abound in almost every direction. Of the
capsular species, a single one, Cleome violacea, is found in Portugal ; another,
Polanisia graveolens, occurs as far to the north as Canada ; and one or two
others are met with in the southern provinces of the United States. Of the
fleshy-fruited kinds, the common Caper, Capparis spinosa, a native of the
most southern parts of Europe, is that which approaches the nearest to the
north ; Africa abounds in them.
Properties. M. Decandolle compares Capparideaj with Cruciferae in
regard to their sensible qualites ; and they no doubt resemble each other in
many respects ; for instance, the Capers are stimulant, antiscorbutic, and
aperient ; the bark of the root of the Caper passes for a diuretic ; and several
species of Cleome have a pungent taste, like that of mustard. The root of
Cleome dodecandra is used as a vermifuge in the United States. Cleome
icosandra acts as a vesicatory, and is used in Cochin China as a sinapism.
Dancer states that the bark of the root of Crateva gynandra blisters like Can-
tharides. Ainslie, 2. 88. But there is an exception to this in a plant called
Fruta de Burro, which is found in the neighbourhood of Carthagena, the fruit
of which is extremely poisonous. It is supposed to be a species of Capparis,
nearly allied to theCapp. pulcherrima of Jacquin ; and must not be confounded
with the Fruta del Burro of Humboldt, found in Guiana, which is a valuable
medical plant, belonging to Anonacese.
This order is divided into Cleome^e, or the genera wiih herbaceous stems
and capsular fruit, and CapparejE, or true Capers, which have shrubby stems
and fleshy fruit.
Examples. Cleome, Capparis.
XII. FLACOURTIACEjE.
Flacourtiace*:, Richard in Mem. Mus. 1. 366. (1815 ;) Dec. Prodr. 1. 255. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, concrete
carpella, and a 1 -celled ovarium, with parietal placentae branching all over the
surface of the inside.
Anomalies. Ryania, Patrisia, Flacourtia, Roumea, and Stigmarota, that
is to say, more than half the .order, have no petals.
Essential Character.— Sepals definite, from 4-7, cohering slightly at the base. Petals
equal to the latter in number and alternate with them, seldom wanting1. Stamens hypogy-
nous, of the same number as the petals, or twice as many, or some multiple of them, occa-
sionally changed into nectariferous scales. Ovarium roundish, distinct, sessile or slightly
talked ; .s/y/e either none or filiform; stigmas several, more or less distinct. Fruit 1-celled,
either fleshy and indehiscent, or capsular, with 4 or 5 valves, the centre filled with a thin pulp.
■SlvyAs few, thick, usually enveloped in a pellicle formed by the withered pulp, attached to the
BUrface of (he valves in a branched manner, not in a line as in Violca: and Passiflorese ;
albumen fleshy, somewhat oily; embryo straight in the axis, with the radicle turned to the
hilum, and therefore usually superior; cotyledons flat, foliarcous.— Shrubs or small trees,
leaves alternate, simple, on short stalks, without stipula;, usually entire, and coriaceous.
Peduncles axillary, many-flowered. Flowers sometimes monoclinous.
Affinities. The unilocular fruit, over the whole of the inside of which
the placenta spread, is, according to Decandolle, sufficient to distinguish them
21
from all other Dicotyledons. They resemble the Capparidese with fleshy fruit
in a number of particulars ; and M. Decandolle indicates an approach to Pas-
sifloreae : this chiefly depends upon both orders having parietal placentae, and
the presence of a series of barren stamina, analogous to the corona of Passi-
floreoe. They have also some relation to Samydeee.
Geography. Almost all natives of the hottest parts of the East and West
Indies, and Africa. Two or three species are found at the Cape of Good
Hope, and one or perhaps two in New Zealand.
Properties. Nothing is known of their sensible qualities. The fruit of
some of the Flacourtias is eatable and wholesome ; that of Hydnocarpus
venenata is used in Ceylon for poisoning fish, which afterwards become so
unwholesome as to be unfit for food.
Decandolle has the following tribes (prodr. 1. 255.) ;
1. Patrisieje.
Flowers hermaphrodite, apelalous. Sepals 5, coloured inside, persistent.
Stamens indefinite. Fruit capsular or berried. Dec. It is to be suspected
that this tribe really belongs to Passifloreae, on account of its affinity to Smeath-
mannia ; but their seeds are smooth, not pitted, and the placentae do not occupy
lines, but are spread over the whole surface. Ibid.
Examples. Ryanaea. Patrisia.
2. Flacourtie;e.
Flowers dioecious, apetalous. Stamens indefinite. Fruit baccate, inde-
hiscent. Dec.
Examples. Flacourtia, Roumea.
3. Kiggelarie^;.
Flowers dioecious, Petals 1 5, alternate with the sepals. Stamens definite.
Fruit somewhat baccate, finally dehiscing. Dec.
Examples. Kiggelaria, Melicytus.
4. ErYTHROSPERME.SE.
Flowers hermaphrodite. Petals and stamens 5-7. Fruit indehiscent, some-
what baccate.
Example. Erythrospermum.
XIII. ANONACEiE. The Custard Apple Tribe.
Anonjb, Juss. Gen. 283. (1789.)— Anonace*, Rich. Anal. Fr. 17. (1808); Dunal Monogr.
(1817); Dec. S'jst. 1. 462. (1818); Prodr. 1. 83. (1824.)— Glyptospermve, Vent. Tubl. 3.
75.(1799).
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, anthers
bursting by longitudinal slits, numerous distinct simple carpella, exstipulate
leaves, and ruminated albumen.
Anomalies. Monodora has a solitary carpellum. In Anona palustris the
ovaria are not distinct. Rollinia has the petals united. Stamens and carpella
definite in Bocagea.
Essential Character. — Sepals 3-4, persistent, usually partially cohering. Petals 6, hypo-
gynous, in two rows, coriaceous, with a valvular {estivation. Stamens indefinite, covering- a
lare-e hypogynous torus, packed closely together, very rarely definite. Filaments short, more
or les3 angular. Anthers adnate, turned outwards, with an enlarged 4-cornered connecti-
vum, which is sometimes nectariferous. Ovaria usually numerous, closely packed, separate
or cohering, occasionally definite. Styles short ; stigmata simple ; omda solitary, or a small
number, erect or ascending. Fruit consisting of a number of carpella, which are either
succulent or dry, sessile or stalked, 1- or many-seeded, distinct or concrete into a fleshy mass.
Seeds attached to the suture in one or two rows; testa brittle ; embryo minute, in the base of
hard, fleshy, ruminate albumen. -'Frees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, simple, almost always
entire, without stipube. Floicers usually green or brown, axillary, solitary, or 2 or 3 together,
shorter than the leaves; the peduncles of abortive flowers sometimes indurated, enlarged,
and hooked.
2%
Affinities, No doubt can be entertained of the close affinity of this order
to Magnoliacere, from which, however, it differs in the want of stipulae, in the
form of the anthers, and in the peculiar condition of the ovarium : agreeing in
the ternary division of the parts of fructification, and their indefinite stamens
and ovaria. An affinity has been pointed out between them and Menisper-
meae ; but it appears to me to be very weak. The great feature of the order
is tts ruminated albumen, to which there is no exception, and scarcely any
parallel. The parietal insertion of ovula, ascribed to this order by Decandolle,
is not universal. The ovula are erect in Anona, Guatteria, and Anaxagorea.
A. St. H. in PI. Usu. 33. A remarkable plant is described by Mr. Brown, in
the Appendix to Flinder's Voyage, under the name of Eupomatia laurina, in
which the stamens are manifestly perigynous, and the tube of the calyx cohe-
rent with the ovarium. This genus is referred by its learned discoverer to
Anonacese, with which there can be no doubt that it has a very striking ana-
logy ; but its structure is nevertheless so peculiar, that I hesitate, with M. De-
candolle, in absolutely identifying it with Anonacere. I have remarked in
Anona laurifolia that the pollen is arranged in two distinct rows in each cell of
the anther, and that when that organ bursts, the grains of pollen fall out,
cohering in a single row, so as to have the appearance, of a necklace. Sup-
posing Wintereae not to be stipulate, as St. Hilaire asserts, this order will be
more nearly related to them than to Magnoliaceae. Connected with Berbe-
rideae through Bocagea.
Geography. The tropics of the old and new world are the natural land
of these plants : thence they spread, in a few instances, to the northward and
the southward.
Properties. The general character is, to have a powerful aromatic taste
and smell in all the parts. The bark of Uvaria tripetaloidea yields, being
tapped, a viscid matter, which hardens in the form of a fragrant gum. Dec.
The flowers of many species, especially of Artabotrys odoratissima and
Cananga virgata, are exceedingly fragrant. The dry fruits of many species
are very aromatic ; those of Uvaria aromatica are the Piper rcthiopicum of the
shops. Xylopia sericea, a large tree found in forests near Rio Janeiro, where
it is called Pindaiba, bears a highly aromatic fruit, with the flavour of pepper,
for which it may be advantageously substituted. Its bark is tough, and readily
separated into fibres, from which excellent cordage is manufactured. Plantes
Usuelles, no. 33. Of other species the fruit is succulent and eatable, contain-
ing a sugary mucilage, which predominates over the slight aromatic flavour
that they produce. Of this kind are the Custard Apples of the East and
West Indies, the Cherimoyer of Peru, and others. In Asimina triloba an acid
is present of a very active nature, according to Duhamcl ; but this is not cer-
tain. The Anona sylvatica, called Aralicn do mato, in Brazil, has a light
white wood, very fit for the use of turners, and for the same purposes as the
lime-tree of Europe. Its fruit is described as good for the dessert. Plantes
Usuelles, 29. The wood of the root of A. palustris is employed in Brazil for
corks. lb. 30. The Indians on the Orinoco, particularly in Atures and May-
pura, have an excellent febrifuge, called Frulta de Burro, which is the fruit of
Uvaria febrifuga. Humboldt, Cinch. Forests, p. 22. Eng. ed.
Examples. Anona, Unona, Guatteria.
23
XIV. MYRISTICEiE The Nutmeg Tribe.
Myhistice*, R. Brown, Prodr. 399. (1810.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with dioecious flowers, a 3-lobed calyx,
ruminated albumen, and columnar stamens.
Anomalies.
Essential CHARACTER.-i^/owcrs dioecious witli no trace of rudimentary organs. Calyx trifid,
with valvular estivation. Stamens. Filaments completely united in a cylinder. Anthers 3-12,
definite, 2-celled, turned outwards, and bursting longitudinally; either connate or distinct.
Fertile fl. Calyx deciduous. Ovary superior, sessile, with a single erect ovulum ; style very
short ; stigma somewhat lobed. Fruit baccate, dehiscent, 2-valved. Seed nut-like, enveloped
in a many-parted arillus ; albumen ruminate between fatty and fleshy ; embryo small ; cotyle-
dons foliaceous ; radicle inferior ; plumida conspicuous. — Tropical trees, often yielding a red
juice. Leaves alternate, without stipule, not dotted, quite entire, stalked, coriaceous ; usually,
when full grown, covered beneath with a closedown. Inflorescence axillary or terminal, in
racemes, gtomerules, or panicles ; the Jlowers each with one short cucullate bractea. Calyx
coriaceous, mostly downy outside, with the hairs sometimes stellate, smooth in the inside. — R.
J3r. chiefly.
Affinities. Usually placed, on account of their apetalous flowers, in the
vicinity of Laurineae, from which they are distinguished by the structure of
their -calyx, anthers, and fruit; perhaps more nearly allied to Anonaceae, on
account of their 3-lobed calyx, — a remarkable peculiarity in Dicotyledons, —
their ruminated albumen, minute embryo, and sensible properties. Mr. Brown
places them between Proteaceee and Laurineae', remarking, that they are not
closely akin to any other order.
Geography. Natives exclusively of the tropics of India and America.
Properties. The bark abounds in an acrid juice, which is viscid and stains
red ; the rind of their fruit is caustic : the arillus and albumen, the former
known under the name of Mace, and the latter of Nutmeg, are important aro-
matics, abounding in a fixed oil of consistence analogous to fat, which, in a
species called Virola sebifera, is so conspicuous as to be extracted easily by im-
mersing the seeds in hot water. The common Nutmeg is the produce of
Myristica moschata ; but an aromatic fruit is also borne by other species.
The Nutmeg of Santa Fe is the Myristica Otoba. Humb. Chinch. For. p. 29.
Ettg. ed.
Examples. Myristica, Knema.
XV. MAGNOLIACEiE. The Magnolia tribe.
Magnolije, Juss. Gen. 280.(1780); Magnoliace^, Dec. Syst. 1. 439. (1818); Prodi: I. 77.
(1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, anthers
bursting by longitudinal slits, numerous distinct simple carpella, and stipulate
leaves without transparent dots.
Anomalies. The flowers of Mayna are dioecious.
Essential Character. — Sepals 3-6, deciduous. Petals 3-27, hypogynous, in several rows.
Stamens indefinite, distinct, hypogynous. Anthers adnate, long. Or aria numerous, simple,
arranged upon the torus above the stamens, 1-ccllcd; orides either ascending or suspended;
style short; stigma simple. Fruit cither dry or succulent, consisting of numerous carpella,
which are either dehiscent or indehisccnt, distinct or partially connate, always numerous, and
arranged upon an elongated axis, sometimes terminated by a membranous wing. Seeds soli-
tary, or several, attached to the inner edge of the carpella. Embryo minute, at the base of
fleshy albumen.— Fine frees or shurbs. Leaves alternate, not dotted, coriaceous, articulated
24
distinctly with the stem ; with deciduous stipulse, which, when young, arc rolled together like
those of Ficus. Flowers large, solitary, often strongly odoriferous.
Affinities. Nearly related to Dilleniaceas, from which they are chiefly
distinguished by the ternary, not quinary, arrangement of the parts of the
flower ; from Anonacea:, to which they also approach, their stipulae and solid
albumen separate them. Their stipulation points out their affinity with Urti-
ceee ; their imbricate petals and sepals, and numerous ovaria, with Calycan-
theffi, and through them with Monimieae.
Geography. The focus of this order is undoubtedly North American,
where the woods, the swamps, and the sides of the hills, abound with them.
Thence they straggle, on the one hand, into the West India Islands, and, on
the other, into India, through China and Japan. Mr. Brown remarks (Congo,
465), that no species have been found on the continent of Africa, or in any of
the adjoining islands. Twenty-eight species are all that M. Decandolle enu-
merates.
Properties. The general character of the order is, to have a bitter tonic
taste, and fragrant flowers. The latter produce a decided action upon the
nerves, which, according to Decandolle, induces sickness and headach from
Magnolia tripetala, and, on the authority of Barton, is so stimulating on the
part of Magnolia glauca as to produce paroxysms of fever, and even an
attack of inflammatory gout. The bark has been found to be destitute of tan-
nin and gallic acid, notwithstanding its intense bitterness. The bark of the
root of Magnolia glauca is an important tonic. Barton, 1. 77. [Bigclow, 2. 67.]
The same property is found in the Lirioden/hon tulipifera, which has even been
said to be equal to Peruvian bark. [Barton, 7. 92. Bigelow, 2. 107.] Mi
chelia Doltsopa is one of the finest trees in Nipal, yielding an excellent fra-
grant wood, much used in that country for house-building. Don. Proclr. 226.
Magnolia excelsa has a valuable timber, called Champ, at first greenish, but
soon changing into a pale yellow ; the texture is fine. Wallich. Tent. 7. The
cones of Magnolia acuminata yield, in Virginia, a spirituous tincture, which is
employed with some success in rheumatic affections ; and the seeds of most
species are remarkable for their bitterness : those of M. Yulan are employed in
China as febrifuges, under the name of Tsin-y. Dec. No Magnoliaceee are
aromatic.
Examples. Magnolia, Liriodendron.
XVI. DILLEN1ACE/E.
Djlleniaceje, Dec. St/at. 1. 395. (1818) ; Prodi: 1. G7. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, anthers
bursting with longitudinal slits, distinct simple carpella, exstipulate leaves, solid
albumen, and arillate seeds.
Anomalies. In several genera of the section Delimaceae there is but one
carpellum ; and in Dillenia and Colbcrtia the carpella partly cohere.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, persistent, 2 exterior, 3 interior. Petals 5, deciduous,
hypogynous, in a single row. Stamens indefinite, hypogynoufl, arising' from a torus, either
distinct or polyadalphous, and either placed regularly around the pistilluin or on one side ol it.
Filaments dilated either at the base or apex. Anthers adnate, 2-celled, usually bursting longi-
tudinally, always turned inwards. Ovaria definite, more or less distinct, with a terminal style
and simple stigma ; ovules ascending. Fruit consisting cither of from 2 to 1 5 distinct unilocu-
lar carpella, or of a similar number cohering together ; the carpella cither baccate or 2-valved,
pointed by the style. Seeds fixed in a double row to the inner edge of the carpella, either
several or only 2, occasionally solitary by abortion ; surrounded by a pulpy arillus. Testa
25
hard. Embryo minute, lying- in the base of fleshy albumen. — Trees, shrub.':, or imdcr-shrubs.
Leaves usually alternate, almost always without stipuke, very seldom opposite, most commonly
coriaceous!, with strong- veins running straight from t ho mid rib to the margin, entire or toothed,
often separating from the base of the petiole, which remains adhering to the stein. Flowers
solitary, in terminal racemes or panicles, often yellow.
Affinities. These are nearly akin to Ma gnoliacea?, from which they are
distinguished by their want of stipulae and quinary arrangement of the parts
of fructification ; and to Ranunculacea?, from which their persistent calyx, sta-
mens, and whole habit, divide them. They are universally characterized by
the presence of arillus ; a peculiarity which certainly exists in Hibertia, not-
withstanding M. Decandolle's definition of that genus. The most genuine
form of the order is known by the veins of the leaves running straight from
the midrib to the margin.
Geography. According to Decandolle, 50 of this order arc found in Aus-
tralasia, 21 in India and its neighbourhood, 3 in equinoctial Africa, and 21 in
equinoctial America ; but since the publication of the Sy3lema several have
been added, both to the Indian and South American species.
Properties. Dilleniaceae are generally astringent. The Brazilians make
use of a decoction of Da villa rugosa in swellings of the legs and other parts, very
common maladies in hot and humid parts of South America. PI. Usuelles, no.
22. Da villa elliptica is also astringent, and furnishes the vulnerary called
Cambdibinha in Brazil. Ibid. 23. In Curatella Cambai'ba the same astrin-
gent principle recommends its decoction as an excellent wash for wounds. Ibid.
24. The young calyces of Dillenia scabrella and speciosa have a pleasantly
acid taste, and are used in curries by the inhabitants of Chittagong and Ben-
gal. Wallich. Almost all Delimaceee have the leaves covered with asperi-
ties which are sometimes so hard that the leaves are even used for polishing.
Two tribes are distinguished in this family :
1. § Delimaceee.
§ Delimacere. Dec. Sijst. 1. 396. (1818) ; Prodr. 1. 67. (1824.)
Filaments filaform, dilated at the apex, and bearing on each side a round dis-
tinct cell of the anther. Ovaria from 1 to 5. Styles filiform, acute. Carpella
capsular, bladdery, or baccate, usually 1 or 2-seeded. — Trees or shrubs, Which
sometimes twine. Dec.
Examples. Tetracera, Delima.
2. § DlLLENEiE.
Dilleneaj. Salis. Parad. Lond. n. 73. (1806) ; § Dec. Sijst. 1. 411. (1818) ;
Prodr. 1.70. (1824.)
Filaments not dilated at the apex, anthers elongate, adnatc. Ovaria usually
from 2 to 5, distinct, rarely solitary ; or from 5 to 20, partially connate. — Trees
or shrubs, very seldom twining. Dec. Floioers often fragrant or foetid.
Examples. Dillenia, Hibbertia.
XVII. WINTERED. The Winter's Bark Tribe.
Winteue*, R. Brown in Dccand. S>/s(. 1. 548. (1818.)— Illicie^e Dec. Prodr. 1. 77. (1S24.) a
section of Magnoliacea;.
14
26
Diagnosis. Polypytalous aromatic dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens,
anthers bursting by longitudinal slits, distinct simple carpella, and stipulate
leaves with transparent clots.
Anomalies. The flowers of Tasmannia are dioecious or polygamous, and
the carpella solitary.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoclinous or declinous. Sepals 2-6, sometimes not
distinguishable from the petals, either deciduous or persistent. Petals 2-30, in several rows
when more than 5. Stamens short, indefinite, hypogynous, distinct. Anthers adnate. Ova-
ria definite, arranged in a single whorl, 1 -celled, with several suspended ovules, which are at-
tached to the suture. Stigmata simple, sessile. Fruit either dry or succulent, consisting of
a single row of carpella, which are cither dehiscent or indehiscent, and distinct. Seeds solitary
or several, with or without arillus. Embryo very small, straight, in the base of fleshy albu-
men— Shrubs or small trees. Leaves alternate, dotted, coriaceous, persistent, with convolute
deciduous stipulre. Flowers solitary, often brown or chocolate colour, and sweet-scented.
Affinities. Closely related to Magnoliacese, from which they differ chiefly
in their dotted leaves and aromatic qualities. They are also closely allied to
Calycanthese, from which their hypogynous stamens, alternate stipulate leaves
and albuminous seeds, sufficiently distinguish them. They also partake of
the affinities of Magnoliacess, with Anonacese, &c. According to St. Hilaire,
the supposed stipulee of Wintereee are only imperfectly developed leaves which
enfold the buds. PI. Usuelles, no. 26 — 28. But what are stipules except
starved leaves ? The same author remarks, that Bonpland considered the em-
bryo as destitute of albumen, which was, however, a mistake, it being undoubt-
edly as it is here described. For several good remarks upon Drimys, see the
PI. Usuelles as quoted.
Geography. A very small order, with an extensive range. Of the 10
species enumerated by Decandolle, 2 are found in New Holland, 2 in the hot-
ter parts of America, 2 in the southern and 2 in the northern territories of the
same continent, 1 in China and Japan, and 1 in New Zealand.
Ppoperties. All that writers have stated about the aromatic stimulant
properties of Magnoliacese should be applied to this order, formerly confounded
with them. The seeds of Illicium anisatum are considered in India to be
powerfully stomachic and carminative. A very fragrant volatile oil is also ob-
tained from them. Ainslie, 2. 20. The Chinese burn them in their temples,
and Europeans employ them to aromatize certain liquors, such as the Anisette
de Bordeaux. Dryrnis Winteri yields the Winter's Bark, which is known for
its resemblance to that of cinnamon. A. R. A bark called Melambo
Bark, possessing similar properties, is described by M. Cadet in the Journal de
Phannacie, 1815, p. 20. The bark of Drimys granatensis, called Casca
(TJlnla in Brazil, is much used against colic. It is conic, aromatic, and stimu-
lant, and resembles, in nearly all respects, the Drimys Winteri, or Winter's
Bark. Planles Usuelles, 26 — 28.
Examples. Illicium, Wintera.
XVIII. CALYCANTHESE. The Carolina Allspice Tribe.
Calycantheje, Lindl. in But. Reg.fol. 404 (1819); Dec. Prodi: 3. 1. (1828.)— Calycan-
thinje, Link. Enum. 2. u(i. (1822.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
numerous imbricated sepals, ovaria enclosed in a fleshy tube, convolute albu-
men, anthers turned outwards, opposite exstipulate leaves, and stems with 5
axes of growth.
Anomalies.
27
Essestial Character.— Sepals and petals confounded, indefinite, imbricated, combined
in a fleshy tube. Stamens indefinite, inserted in a fleshy rim at the mouth of the tube, the
inner sterile. Anthers adnate, turned outwards. Ovaries several, simple, 1-celled, with one
terminal style, adhering1 to the inside of the tube of the calyx ; ovula solitary, or sometimes
2, of which one is abortive, ascending-. Nltta enclosed in the fleshy tube of the calyx, 1-
seeded, indehiscent. Seed ascending ; albumen none ; cotyledons convolute, with their face
next the axis ; radicle inferior. — Shrubs, with square stems, having 4 woody imperfect axes
surrounding the central ordinary one. Leaves opposite, simple, scabrous, without stipula?.
Flawers axillary, solitary.
Affinities. It is not very clear to what order this is most nearly related.
Jussieu originally placed it at the end of Rosacea; (Gen.) ; he subsequently
referred it to Monimieae ; and I afterwards formed it into a particular family.
With Monimieae it is less nearly related than it appears to be, the principal
points of resemblance being the disposition of several nuts within a fleshy
calyx in both orders ; for Calycantheae can scarcely be considered apetalous,
as Monimieae are, on account of the obvious petals of Chimonanthus. The
imbricated sepals, in Calycanthus chocolate-coloured and becoming confounded
with the petals, the fragrance of the flowers, and the plurality of ovaria, seem
to indicate an affinity with Wintered, especially with Illicium ; but the de-
cidedly perigynous stamens and fleshy calyx enclosing the ovaria in its tube,
the highly developed embryo, and want of albumen, are great objections to
such an approximation. Combretaceae agree in having an exalbuminous em-
bryo with convolute cotyledons ; but with this their resemblance ceases. Myr-
taceae also agree in this same particular, in the case of Punica ; and their
opposite leaves, without stipulae, frequent fragrance, and perigynous stamens,
strengthen the affinity indicated by the embryo. Rosaceae, to which Jussieu
originally referred Calycanthus, agree in the perigynous insertion of their
stamens, in the peculiar structure of their calyx, the tube of which in Rosa is
entirely analogous to that of Calycantheas, in the superposition of their ovules
when two are present, and in the high developement of their exalbuminous
embryo : upon the whole, therefore, no order appears to have so much affinity
with Calycantheae as Rosacea? ; and the sagacity of Jussieu, in originally
referring Calycanthus to that order, is completely confirmed by the discovery
recently made by the Rev. Mr. Lowe, that the cotyledons of Chamaemeles, a
genus of Pomaceaa, which Jussieu includes in Rosacea?, are convolute. This,
I think, fixes the station of Calycantheae in the neighbourhood of Rosacere,
Pomaceae, and Myrtaceaa, to which it is nearly equally allied, and from which
it is distinguished by its imbricated sepals, and anthers, partly fertile and partly
sterile, being turned outwards. This order is also characterized by the singular
structure of the wood, a peculiarity originally remarked by Mirbel in one
species, and which I have since ascertained to exist in all. In the stems of
these plants there is the usual deposit of concentric circles of wood around the
pith, and, in addition, four very imperfect centres of deposition on the outside
next the bark ; a most singular structure, which may be called, without much
inaccuracy, an instance of exogenous and endogenous growth combined in the
same individual. A good figure of this interesting fact has been given by
Mirbel in the Annates des Sciences Naturelles, vol. 14. p. 367.
Geography. Natives of North America and Japan.
Properties. The aromatic fragrance of the flowers is their only known
quality.
Examples. Calycanthus, Chimonanthus.
28
XIX. MONIMIEiE.
Monimieje, Juss. in Ann. Mus. 14. 130. (1809); Dec. Ess. Med. 265. (1816.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite pendulous ovula, nume-
rous distinct ovaria, and anthers bursting longitudinally.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Mowers diclinous. Calyx tubular, toothed or lobed at the apex,
with valvular aestivation. Stamens indefinite, covering all the inside of the calyx ; anthers
2-celled, bursting1 longitudinally. Oraria several, superior, distinct, enclosed within the tube
of the calyx, each with its own style and stigma; ovule pendulous. Fruit consisting of
several 1-seeded nuts, enclosed within the enlarged calyx. Seed pendulous ; embryo in the
midst of an abundant albumen ; radicle superior.— Trees or shrubs, without aroma. Leaves
opposite, without stipulse. Hairs stellate. Flowers axillary, in short racemes.
Affinities. Allied to Urticea?, from which they differ in the presence of
several ovaria within each calyx, in their pendulous ovula, in the radicle being
turned towards the hilum, and in the presence of abundant albumen ; also to
Laurinese, from which they particularly differ in the dehiscence of their
anthers, and in the number of their ovaria ; and to Atherospermese, which
agree in sensible qualities, and in the number of their ovaria, but which differ
in the dehiscence of the anthers, and in the erect position of the ovules. With
Calycanthere they have also a good deal of relation. Mr. Brown considers
that what is here called a calyx is more properly an involucrum. Flin-
ders, 553.
Geography. All natives of South America.
Properties. All the parts of the bark and leaves exhale an aromatic
odour, which is compared by travellers to that of Laurels or Myrtles. Decand.
Examples. Monimia, Ruizia.
XX. ATHEROSPERMEiE.
Atherosperme.e, R. Brown in Flinders, 553. (1814.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous aromatic dicotyledons, with definite erect ovula,
and anthers bursting by recurved valves.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers diclinous or monoclinous. Calyx tubular, divided at
the top into several segments, usually placed in two rows, the inner of which is partly peta-
loid ; to these are superadded some scales in the pistilliferous and perfect flowers. Stamens
in the sterile ones very numerous in the bottom of the calyx, with scales among them ; in the
monoclinous fewer, and arising from the orifice of the calyx; anthers adnate, 2-cclled, burst-
ing with a valve which separates from the base to the apex. Ovaria more than one, usually
indefinite, each with a single erect ovulum ; styles simple, arising cither from the side or the
base ; stigmas simple. Nuts terminated by the persistent styles become feathery, enclosed in
the enlarged tube of the calyx. Seed solitary, erect; embryo short, erect, at the base of soft,
fleshy albumen ; radicle inferior. — Trees. Leaves opposite, without Btipulse. Flcwers axil-
lary, solitary.
Affinities. The anthers of this order are the same as those of Laminae
and Berberidea1, from the latter of which they differ entirely, but with the
former of which they agree in their aromatic odour. The order is nearly re-
lated to Monimerp, with which it is even combined by Jussieu ; but it differs in
the position of the ovula, and in the structure of the anihers.
Geography. Natives of New Holland and South America. Only two
genera are known.
Properties. Aromatic shrubs.
Exa3IPLes. Pavonia, Atherosperma.
2*>
XXI. LAURINE/E. The Cinnamon Tribe.
Lauri, Juss. Gen. 80. (1789); Laurineas, Vent. Tab!. (1799); 7?. Brmcn Prodr. 401. (1810).
Diagnosis. Apetalous aromatic dicotyledons, with definite suspended
ovules, and anthers bursting by recurved valves.
Anomalies. Cassytha is aphyllous and parasitical.
Essential Character.— Calyx 4-6-cleft, with imbricated aestivation, the limb sometimes
obsolete. Stamens definite, perigynous, opposite the segments of the calyx, and usually twice
as numerous •• the 3 innermost, which are opposite the 3 inner segments of the calyx sterile or
deficient; the 6 outermost scarcely ever abortive; anthers adnate, 2-4-celled ; the cells burst-
ing by a longitudinal persistent valve from the base to the apex; the outer anthers valved
inwards, the inner valved outwards. (Hands usually present at the base of the inner fila-
ments. Ovarium single, superior, with a single pendulous ovulum ; style simple ; stigma
obtuse. Fruit baccate or drupaceous, naked or covered. Seed without albumen; embryo
inverted ; cotyledons large, plano-convex, peltate near the base !; radicle very short, included,
superior ; plumula conspicuous, 2-leaved.— Trees, often of great size. Leaves without stipu-
le, alternate, seldom opposite, entire or very rarely lobed. lvjloresccnce panicled or umbelled.
Sometimes leafless twining under shrubs or parasitical herbs, with spiked flowers, each having
3 bractcre. JR. Br.
Affinities. Distinguished from all apetalous dicotyledons, except Athe-
rospermeae, by the peculiar dehiscence of their anthers, and divided from that
order by the ovulum being pendulous, not erect. In sensible qualities they
resemble Myristiceae, which are at once known by their diclinous flowers and
columnar stamens. The genus Cassytha, a parasitical leafless plant, is
remarkable for differing from the order in nothing whatever, except its very pe-
culiar habit.
Geography. Trees inhabiting the tropics of either hemisphere ; in a very
few instances only, straggling to the northward in North America and Eu-
rope. No genus is known to exist in any part of the continent of Africa, ex-
cept the paradoxical Cassytha. This is the more remarkable, as several spe-
cies of Laurus have been found both in Teneriffe and Madeira, and some other
genera exist in Madagascar, and in the Isles of France and Bourbon. Broum,
Congo, 464.
Properties. It would be difficult to name another order at once so impor-
tant and uniform in its qualities as this, the species being universally aro-
matic, warm, and stomachic. Cinnamon and Cassia are the produce of various
species ; the most genuine are yielded by Laurus Cinnamomum and L.
Cassia ; but L. Culilaban and Malabathrum can both be substituted for these
spices : the Cinnamon of the Isle of France is Laurus cupularis, that of Peru
is L. duixos. The Cinnamon of Santa Fe is produced by Laurus Cinnamo-
moides. Humb. Cinch. For. 27. Eng. ed. The Sassafras nuts of the London
shops are the fruit of the Laurus Pucheri of the Flora Peruviana. Ibid.
Camphor is yielded by Laurus Camphora and other species ; even by the
Cinnamon tree itself. The properties of all these are due to the presence of a
volatile oil ; but they also contain in many cases a fixed oil, which is supposed
to constitute the principal part of the fruit of Persea gratissima, so much
esteemed in the West Indies under the name of the Avocado Pear ; the same
oil appears in the form of a greasy exudation in the fruit of Litsea sebifera.
A species of Laurus in Sumatra, called by Dr. Jack, Parthenoxylon, yields an
oil useful in rheumatic affections ; and an infusion of the roots is drank as sas-
safras, the qualities of which it resembles. Ed. P. J. 6. 398. The bark of
Laurus Benzoin is highly aromatic, stimulant, and tonic, and is extensively
used in North America in intermittent fevers. The oil of the fruit is said to be
stimulant. Barton, 2. 95. A plant of this family found in the forests of Spa-
nish Guiana yields a volatile oil, with a warm and pungent taste and aromatic
smell. It is employed externally as a discutient, and internally as a diapho-
30
retic, diuretic, and resolvent. Ed. P. J. 12. 417. The volatile oil obtained
from some species of Laurus found in vast forests between the Oronoko and
the Parime, is produced in great abundance by merely making an incision into
the bark with an axe as deep as the liber. It gushes out in such quantity,
that several quarts may be obtained by a single incision. It has the reputation
of being a powerful discutient. For further information, see Brewster 's Jour-
nal 1. 134. In addition to these qualities, there is present in some species an
acrid, red, or violet juice, like that found in Myristiceae ; it is particularly
abundant in L. parvifolia, globosa, fcetens, and caustica.
Examples. Laurus, Cinnamomum, Tetranthus, Cassytha.
XXII. BERBERIDE^E. The Berberry Tribe.
Behberide2e. Vent. Tabl. 3. 83. (1799) ; Dec. Syst. 2. 1. (1821); Prodr. 1. 105. (1824); Lindl.
Synops. 14. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens equal
in number to the petals and opposite them, anthers opening by recurved valves,
and a single simple carpellum.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Sepals 3-4-6, deciduous, in a double row, surrounded externally
by petaloid scales. Petals hypogynous, either equal to the sepals in number, and opposite to
them, or twice as many, generally with an appendage at the base in the inside. Stamens
equal in number to the petals, and opposite to them ; anthers generally with two separated
cells, opening elastically with a valve from the bottom to the top. Ovarium solitary, 1-cellcd ;
style rather lateral ; stigma orbicular. Fruit berried or capsular. Seeds attached to the
bottom of the cell on one side, 1, 2, or 3 ; albumen between fleshy and corneous ; embryo
straight in the axis; cotyledons flat. — Shrubs or herbaceous perennial plants, for the most part
smooth. Leaves alternate, compound, without stipulce.
Affinities. Botanists appear of one opinion in considering Menispermeae
the nearest order to this, agreeing in having the stamens opposite the petals,
the floral envelopes regularly imbricated, 3 or 4 in each row, never 5, the fruit
usually baccate, and fleshy albumen. These, however, differ in their habit,
the separation of the sexes in distinct flowers, and the presence of several dis-
tinct carpella, while in Berberidere there is never more than one, which is per-
fectly simple, as is demonstrated by the position of the placentae, the single
style, &c. With Podophyllea? they are connected through Leontice and
Diphylleia, which have a near relation to Jeffersonia and Podophyllum itself.
In the singular structure of their anthers there is a striking analogy with Lau-
rinere, Atherospermea3, and Hamameliderc, orders not otherwise akin to Ber-
beridese. Leontice thalictroides offers one of the few instances of seeds being
absolutely naked, that is to say, not covered by any integument originating in
the pericarpium. In this plant the ovarium is ruptured in an early state by
the expansion of the ovulum, which, having been impregnated, continues to
grow, and ultimately arrives at maturity, although deprived of its pericarpial
covering. The spines of the common Berberry are a curious state of leaf, in
which the parenchyma is displaced, and the ribs have become indurated.
Thoy, as well as all the simple leaves of ordinary appearance, are articulated
with the petiole, and are therefore compound leaves reduced to a single foliole ;
whence the supposed genus Mahonia does not differ essentially from Berberis
in foliage any more than in fructification. Berberidcaa are related to Anona-
ceo3 through the genus Bocagea ; their ovarium is generally like that of Ano-
nacea;. Aug. St. llilaire remarks, that the opposition of the stamens to the
petals, and the erect ovules, place them in alliance with Vitcs. Fl. Braz. 1..
31
47. [Achlys, which doubtless belongs to this Order, was placed by Decan
dolle, with a mark of doubt, among the Podophyllcre. He having taken, as
Dr. Hooker thinks, (Flora Boreali Amer. 1. 30.) for petals, what must have
been stamens, from which the anthers had fallen.]
Geography. Natives chiefly of mountainous places in the temperate parts
of the northern hemisphere. Some have, however, been found in South
America as far as the Straits of Magellan ; none in Africa, Australasia, or in
the South Sea islands. Dec. There are several species of Berberry in Chile.
Properties. The berries of Berberis vulgaris and other species are acid
and astringent, and form with sugar an agreeable refreshing preserve. Their
acid is the oxalic. The stem and bark of the Berberry are excessively astrin-
gent, and are employed for that reason by dyers. Dec. The root yields a
yellow dye. A. Rich.
Examples. Berberis, Leontice, Achlys.
XXIII. MENISPERMEiE. The Cocculus Tribe.
MENisrERMEiE, Juss. Gen. 284. (1789); Dec. S>jst. 1. 508. (1818.)— Menispermaceje,
Dec. Prodr. 1. 95. (1S24.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens oppo-
site the petals, distinct simple carpella, minute diclinous flowers, and twining
shrubby stems.
Anomalies. In Agdestis, a doubtful genus of the order, the flowers are
hermaphrodite. Cissampelos, Stauntonia, Pselium, and Schizandra, have no
petals in their male flowers. Schizandra is scarcely a twiner.
Essential Character. — Flowers (by abortion 1) diclinous, usually dioecious and very
small. Sepals and -petals confounded, in one or several rows, each of which is composed of
either 3 or 4 parts, hypogynous, deciduous. Stamens monadelphous, or occasionally distinct,
sometimes opposite the petals and equal to them in number, sometimes 3 or 4 times as many.
Anthers adnate, turned outwards or proceeding immediately from the point of the filament.
Ovaries sometimes numerous, each with one style, cohering; slightly at the base, sometimes
completely soldered together into a many-celled body, which is occasionally in consequence
of abortion 1-celled. Drupes usually berried, 1-seeded, oblique or lunate, compressed. Seed
of the same shape as the fruit ; embryo curved, or turned in the direction of the circumfer-
ence; albumen wanting, or in very small quantity ; cotyledons flat, sometimes lying face to
face, sometimes distant from each other and lying in separate cells of the seed ; radicle
superior, but its position is sometimes obscured by the curvature of the seed. — S/irubs, with
a flexible tough tissue, and sarmentaceous habit. Leaves alternate, entire or occasionally
divided, mucronate. Flowers small, usually racemose.
Affinities. The relation that is borne by these plants to Berberideae has
been pointed out under that order : some Anonaces agree with them in having
a twining habit, and the whole resemble them in the ternary division of their
flowers ; they are, however, abundantly distinct : M. Decandolle points out a
resemblance with Sterculiaceas, consisting in the monadelphous stamens and
peltate leaves ; but it is of little moment. The ternary and quaternary arrange-
ment of the flowers is very remarkable among Dicotyledons. According to
Aug. St. Hilaire, this order is related to Euphorbiaceaj through Phyllanthus,
the male flowers of which are in certain species absolutely the same as those
of Cissampelos. It also approaches Malvaceae by those genera which, like
Caperonia, have stipulate leaves, and distinct caducous petals separated from
the calyx by the gynophore. Fl. Braz. 59. The position of the seed is
altered materially from that of the ovulum in the progress of the growth of
the fruit. According to Aug. St. Hilaire, the ovulum of Cissampelos is
attached to the middle of the side of a straight ovarium, which after fecunda-
32
tion gradually incurves its apex until the style touches the base of the peri-
carp, when the two surfaces being thus brought into contact unite, and a drupe
is formed, the seed of which is curved like a horse-shoe, and the cavity of
which is divided by a spurious incomplete dissepiment, consisting of two plates :
the attachment of the seed is at the top of the false dissepiment, on each side
of which it extends equally. PL Usuelles, no. 35. The whole order requires
careful revision by means of living plants, and is well worth the especial at-
tention of some Indian botanist.
Geography. The whole of this order consists of fewer than a hundred
species, which are common in the tropics of Asia and America, but uncommon
out of those latitudes : all Africa contains but 5, North America 6, and Siberia
1. The species are universally found in woods, twining round other plants.
Properties. The root of several species is bitter and tonic, and the seeds
of some of them narcotic. The root of Menispermum palmatum Lam. or
the Columbo root, is esteemed highly on account of its powerful antiseptic,
tonic, and astringent properties. See Bot. JVfag. fol. 2970. Menispermum
cordifolium of Willd., called Gulancha in Bengal, is used extensively in a
variety of diseases by the native practitioners of India, especially in such as
are attended by febrile symptoms not of a high inflammatory kind, and in
fevers of debility . the parts used are the root, stems, and leaves, from which a
decoction called Pdchana is prepared. A sort of extract called Palo is obtained
from the stem, and is considered an excellent remedy in urinary affections and
gonorrhoea. Trans. M. $ P. Soc. Calc. 3. 298. Cocculus platyphyila is
used by the Brazilians in intermittent fevers and liver complaints. Its pro-
perties, like those of Cocculus cinerescens, are highly esteemed, and appear
to be due to the presence of a bitter and tonic principle. In the seed of Coc-
culus suberosus the bitter crystallizable poisonous principle has been detected,
called picrotoxia. PL Usuelles, 42. The roots of the Orelha de Onca of
Brazil, Cissampelos ovalifolia, are bitter, and their decoction is employed with
success in intermittent fevers. Ibid. no. 34. Cissampelos ebracteata, also
called Orelha de Onca, is reputed an antidote to the bite of serpents. lb. no.
35. The root of Cissampelos pareira and Abuta amara is both diuretic and
aperient, and known under the name of Pareira brava. Dec. The Abuta
candicans of Cayenne, where it is known by the name of Liane amere, is
extremely bitter. Ibid. The drug called in the shops Cocculus indicus is
the seed of Menispermum Cocculus, and is well known for its narcotic pro-
perties, especially in poisoning fishes. Nevertheless, according to Decandolle,
the berries of Menispermum edule Lam. are eaten with impunity in Egypt ;
but they are acrid, and a very intoxicating liquor is obtained from them by
distillation. The bitter poisonous principle of Cocculus indicus is the above-
mentioned vegetable alkali, picrotoxia. It has been supposed that a peculiar
acid, called the menispermic, also existed in the same plant ; but this is now
known to have been merely a mixture of sulphuric and oxalic acids. Turner,
653.
Examples. Cocculus, Menispermum, Cissampelos.
XXIV. MALVACE^. The Mallow Tribe.
Malvace*, Juss. Gen. 271. (1789) in part.; Brown in Voi/. to Congo, p. 8. (1818); Kuntk
Diss. p. 1. (1822); Dec. Prodr. 1. 429. (1824); Lindl. Synops.pAO. (1829); Malvace*,
§ Malvea;, Aug. St. Hit. Ft. Bras. mer. 1. 173. (1827.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous raonadelphous
stamens, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells, uud the placentae in
33
the axis, a calyx with valvate aestivation, 1 -celled anthers bursting longitudi-
nally, no disk, crumpled cotyledons, and alternate stipulate leaves with stellate
pubescence.
Anomalies. In Malope the carpella are numerous, and distinct, not
arranged in a single row, as in the rest of the order.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, very seldom 3 or 4, more or lesa united at the base,
with a valvate aestivation, often bearing external bracteae forming' an involucrum. Petals of
the same number as the sepals, hypogynous, with a twisted aestivation, either distinct or
adhering to the tube of the stamens. Stameiis usually indefinite, sometimes of the same
number as the petals, hypogynous; filaments monadelphous ; anthers 1-celled, reniform,
bursting transversely. Ovarium formed by the union of several carpella round a common
axis, either distinct or coherant ; styles the same number as the carpella, cither united or dis-
tinct; Stigmata vrriable. fruit either capsular or baccate, its carpella being either mono-
spermous or polyspermous, sometimes united in one, sometimes separate or separable ; dehis-
cence either loculicidal or septicidal. Seeds sometimes hairy ; albumen none, or in small
quantity ; embryo curved, with twisted and doubled cotyledons. — Herbaceous plants, trees, or
shrubs. Leaves alternate, more or less divided, stipulate. Hairs stellate. Peduncles usually
axillary.
Affinities. The relation of Malvaceae with Sterculiacere, Tiliace*, Bom-
bacese, and Eloeocarpeae, is clearly indicated by their general accordance in
structure, and especially by the valvate aestivation of their calyx. With other
orders they also agree in numerous points ; as, with Ranunculaceee in the
indefinite stamens and distinct aggregated carpella of Malope ; with Tern-
stromiaceae in their monadelphous stamens ; with Chlenaceae in the presence
of an involucrum below the flower, and monadelphous stamens ; with Linear
in their mucilaginous properties, definite seeds, many-celled fruit, and un-
guiculate petals ; and through the medium of this last order with Caryo-
phylleee.
Geography. These plants are found in great abundance in the tropics,
plentifully in the hotter parts of temperate regions, but gradually diminishing
to the north. Thus in Sicily they form -8V of the flowering plants (Presl), in
France T£T (Humboldt), in Sweden ^ (Wtihl), in Lapland unknown, in the
temperate parts of North America T^, in the equinoctial parts of the same
continent T'7 ; or, taking into account only the vegetation of the valleys, they,
according to Humboldt, form ^V of the flowering plants in the tropics, j{7 in
the temperate zone, and are not found in the frigid zone. But these calcula-
tions no doubt include at least Bombaceea and Sterculiacese.
Properties. The uniform character is to abound in mucilage, and to be
totally destitute of all unwholesome qualities. The use to which Mallows
and Marsh-mallows are applied in Europe is well known. Similar properties
are possessed by extra-European species. Sida cordifolia mixed with rice is
used to alleviate the bloody flux. Emollient fomentations are prepared from
Sida mauritiana by the Hindoo doctors. Ainslie, 1. 205. The flowers of
Benqao de Deos, Abutilon esculentum, are used in Brazil as a boiled vege-
table. PI. Usuelles, 51. A decoction of Sphaaralcea Cisplatina is adminis-
tered in the same country in inflammations of the bowels, and is generally
employed for the same purposes as the Marsh-mallow in Europe. lb. 52.
Pavonia diuretica is prescribed in Brazil as a diuretic ; it is supposed to act
rather as an emollient. Ibid. 53. The wood is always very light, and of
little value. Rocket-sticks are obtained from the light straight stems of Sida
micrantha. Ibid. 49. The chewed leaves of another species, S. carpinifolia,
are applied in Brazil to the punctures of wasps. lb. 50. The bark is often
so tenacious as to be manufactured into cordage. Malva crispa was found by
Cavanilles to be fit for this purpose ; and several species of Hibiscus are
employed in like manner in tropical countries. From the fibres of the bark of
Hibiscus arboreus the whips are manufactured with which the negro slaves
15
34
are lashed in the West India Islands. The plant is called Mohoe or Mohaut,
Hamilt. Prodr. 49. The petals of. some are astringent; this property exists
in Malva Alcea {Dec.) and in Hibiscus Rosa sinensis, of which the Chinese
make use to blacken their eyebrows and the leather of their shoes. lb. The
leaves of Althea rosea are said to yield a blue colouring matter not inferior to
indigo. Ed. P. J. 14. 376. A decoction of the root and stem of Urena
lobata is employed in Brazil as a remedy in windy cholic ; the flowers are
used as an expectorant in dry and inveterate coughs. The bark furnishes
good cordage. PI. Us. 56. A few species, such as Hibiscus Sabdariffa and
surattensis, &c, are slightly acid. The unripe fruit of the Ochro, or Hibiscus
esculentus, is a favourite ingredient in soups, which are thickened by the
mucilaginous quality of this plant. The musky seeds of Hibiscus Abelmos-
chus are considered cordial and stomachic, and by the Arubians are mixed
with coffee. Jlinslie, 2. 73. The root of Sida lanceolata is intensely bitter,
and is considered a valuable stomachic. Ainslie, 2. 179. It has been sup-
posed that the root, of Althaea officinalis contains a peculiar alkaline principle
called Mthein ; but it has since been stated by M. Plisson that it does not
exist ; what was taken for it having been Asparagin. Brewster, 8. 359. The
Cotton of commerce is the hairy covering of the seeds of several species of
Gossypium.
Examples. Malva, Lavatera, Hibiscus.
XXV. CHLENACE.E.
Chlenacejs, Thouars Hist. Veg. Afr. Austr. 46. (1806); Dec. Prodr. 1. 521. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous indefinite morra-
delphous stamens, concrete carpella, an ovarium with several cells, and sus-
pended ovules, an imbricated calyx enclosed in an involucrum, stipulate leaves,
and round anthers bursting longitudinally.
Anomalies. Leptolaena has definite stamens.
Essential Chabacter. Involucrum 1-2-flowered, persistent, of variable form and texture,
Sepals 3, small ; ajstivation imbricated 1 Petals 5 or 6, hypogynous, broader at the base,
sometimes cohering' there. Stamens either very numerous, or sometimes only 10 ; filaments
either cohering at the base into a tube, or adhering to the tube of petals; anthers roundish,
adnate, or loose, 2-cellcd. Ovarium single and 3-celled; style 1, filiform ; stigma triple. Capsule
3-cellcd, or 1-celled by abortion. Seeds solitary or numerous, attached to the centre, sus-
pended ; embryo green, central ; albumen fleshy according to Jussicu, or horny according to
Du Petit Thouars: cotyledons foliaceous, wavy. — Trees or Shrubs. Leaves alternate, with
stipulte, entire. Stipuloc deciduous. Flowers in panicles or racemes. Dec.
Affinities. The monadelphous stamens and involucrated flowers indicate
an affinity with Malvaceae But Jussieu refers them rather to the vicinity of
Ebenaceffi, considering the order monopetalous, and the seeds albuminous.
Very little is, in fact, known of these plants.
Geography. They are only eight certain species, which are all natives of
Madagascar.
Properties. Handsome shrubs, with fine flowers, often red ; but nothing
is known of their qualities.
Examples. tSarcoloena, Leptolrena, Rhodolsena.
35
XXVI. BOMBACEvE. The Cotton Tree Tribe.
Bo-mbace-k Kunth, Diss. Malv. p. 5. (1822) ; Dec. Prodr. 1. 475. (1824) ; A St. Hilaire Ft. Br.
merid. 1. 257. (1827) ; a section of Malvaceae.
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous polyadelphous
stamens, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells with the placentae in
the axis, a calyx with valvate aestivation, 1 -celled anthers bursting longitudi-
nally, no disk, flat cotyledons, and alternate stipulate leaves with stellate pu-
bescence.
Anomalies. In Cheirostemon there are no petals, and the stamens are
united in a 1 -sided 5-lobed body.
Essential Character. Sapals 5, cohering in a campanulate or cylindrical tube, which
is either truncate, or with 5 divisions : at the base of this, on the outside, arc sometimes a few
ininute bractese. Petals 5, regular ; or sometimes none, but in that case the inside of the
calyx is colored. Stamens 5, 10, 15, or more ; filaments cohering at the base into a tube, which
is soldered to the tube of the petals, divided at the apex into 5 parcels, each of which bears
one or more anthers, among which are sometimes some barren threads ; antkers 1-celled,
linear, reniform or anfractuose. Ovarium consisting of 5 carpella, rarely of 10, either partly
distinct or cohering strictly, and dehiscing in various ways ; styles as many as the carpella,
«ither distinct or more or less coherent; ovula2, or many more. Fruit variable, capsular,or inde-
hisccnt, usually with 5 valves, steptiferous in the middle. Seeds often enveloped in wool or pulp ;
sometimes albuminous, with flat cotyledons ; sometimes exalbuminous, with shrivelled or con-
vulute cotyledons. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, with stipulas. Pubescence of the
herbaceous parts stellate.
Affinities, So near Malvaceae, that they may perhaps be considered
rather a section than a distinct order. They are however, often possessed of a
peculiar habit, being chiefly large trees, with broad umbrageous leaves, and fine
showy flowers. Their calyx is thick, and has not the regular valvate aestiva-
tion of true Malvaceae ; they are also known by their pentadelphous stamens.
The Hand plant of Mexico (Cheirostemon) owes its name to this latter cir-
cumstance ; its five bundles of stamens being thick, coloured, and all turned to
one side, so as to resemble a paw with five claws.
Geography. The station seems to be the hottest parts of the world ; for the
Plagianthus of Forster, referred here by M. Decandolle, probably does not
belong to the order. The principal part of the species are South American or
West Indian ; a few Helicteres, one Eriodendron, one Bombax, and the Durio,
being all that are recorded from the East Indies, and Adansonia and Ophelus
being the only African plants of the order.
Properties. These, like Malvaceae, are mucilaginous plants, having no
known deleterious. Bombax pentandrum, the Cotton Tree of India, yields a
gum, which is given in conjunction with spices in certain stages of bowel
complaints. Jlinslie, 2. 97. The largest tree in the world is the Adansonia,
or Baobab Tree, the trunk of which has been found with a diameter of 30 feet ;
but its height is not in proportion. " It is emollient and mucilaginous in all its
parts. The leaves dried and reduced to powder constitute Lalo, a favourite
article with the Africans, which they mix daily with their food, for the purpose
of diminishing the excessive perspiration to which they are subject in those
climates ; and even Europeans find it serviceable in cases of diarrhoea, fevers,
and other maladies. The fruit is, perhaps, the most useful part of the tree. Its
pulp is slightly acid and agreeable, and frequently eaten ; while the juice is
expressed from it, mixed with sugar, and* constitutes a drink, which is valued
as a specific in putrid and pestilential fevers." Hooker Bot. Mag. 2792. The
dried pulp is mixed with water, and administered, in Egypt, in dysentery. It
is chiefly composed of a gum, like Gum Senegal, a sugary matter, starch, and
an acid which appears to be the malic. Delile Cent. 12. The fruit of the
Durian is considered one of the most delicious productions of nature ; it is re-
36
markably fetid, and therefore disagreeable to those who are unaccustomed to
it, but it universally becomes in the end a favourite article of the dessert. It is
found in the islands of the Indian Archipelago, where it is cultivated extensive-
ly ; see Hort. Trans. 5. 106. The seeds of many of the species are enveloped
in long hairs, like those of the true Cotton : it is found, however, that the}' can-
not be manufactured, in consequence of no adhesion existing between the
hairs. This is said to arise from the hairs being perfectly smooth, and destitute
of certain asperities found upon the hairs of the true Cotton, to which that
plant owes its valuable properties. The woolly coat of the seeds of the Ar-
vore de Paina (Chorisia speciosa), and several species of Eriodendron and Bom-
bax, is employed in different countries for stuffing cushions, and for similar do-
mestic purposes. PI. Us. 63. Helicteres Sacarolha, called by the latter name
only in Brazil, is used against venereal disorders : a decoction of the root is ad-
ministered. It is supposed that its effects depend upon its mucilaginous pro-
perties. Ibid. 64.
XXVII. STERCULIA CEiE.
Sterculiaceje, Vent. Malm. 2. 91. (1799.)— Hermanniaceje, Juss. — Bvttne!)iace*, Brown
in Flinders, 2. 540, (1814); Kunth. Diss.p.6. (1822); Dec. Prodr. 1. 481. (1824); Aug.
St. Hit. Ft. Bras. mer. 1. 139 (1827) ; a section of Malvaceae.
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous monadelphous
stamens, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells, and the placentae in
the axis, a calyx with valvate aestivation, 2-celled anthers bursting longitudi-
nally, no disk, and alternate stipulate leaves with stellate pubescence.
Anomalies. The carpella of Sterculia and Erythropsis are distinct, and
their flowers have no petals. True Biittneriaceae have five abortive stamens.
Waltheria has but one carpellum, four being abortive.
Essential Character. — Calyx either naked or surrounded with an involucrum, consist-
ing- of 5 sepals, more or less united at the base, with a valvular aestivation. Petals 5, or none,
hypogynous, convolute in aestivation, often saccate at the base, and variously lengthened at
the apex. Stamens definite or indefinite, monadelphous in various ways, some among- them
being- often sterile ; anthers 2-celled, turned outwards. Pistillum. consisting of 5, or rarely 3,
carpella, either distinct or cohering- into a single ovarium ; styles equal in number to the car-
pella, distinct or united ; orula erect. Fruit capsular, with 3 or 5 cellc Seeds with a stro-
phiolate apex, often winged ; albumen oily or fleshy, rarely wanting1; embryo straight, with an
inferior radicle; cotyledons cither foliaceous, flat, and plaited, or rolled round the pumula, or
else very thick, but this only in the seeds without albumen. — Trees or shrubs. Pubescence
often stellate. Leaves alternate, simple, often toothed, with stipula;. Peduncles cymosc.
Affinities. I lake this order as it is understood by Kunth and Decandolle,
without being at all certain that Buttneriacece, as proposed by Mr. Brown, are
not really distinct. As it now stands, it comprehends plants very variable in
some of their characters, as will appear from the distinctions of the sections
enumerated further on. Differing as these do from each other, they are all dis-
tinguished from their nearest allies, Malvaceae, by their 2 -celled anthers, and
from Tiliacere and Elaeocarpere by their monadelphous stamens. Their valvate
calyx is the great mark of combination which unites them with these last-men-
tioned orders. The fruit of Sterculia often exhibits beautiful illustrations of the
real nature of that form of fruit which botanists call the follicle, and helps to
demonstrate that it, and hence all simple carpella, are formed of leaves, the
sides of which are inflexed, and the margins dilated into placenta;, bearing
ovula. In Sterculia platanifolia, in particular, the follicles burst and acquire
the form of coriaceous leaves, bearing the seeds upon their margin. But, not-
withstanding this peculiarity of the distinct carpella, on account of which
3r
■Sterculia would, as the type of an order, be referable to another artificial sec-
tion, it is impossible to doubt that Reevesia, a remarkable Chinese plant, having
the habit and peculiar conformation of anthers found in Sterculia, along with
the petals and fruit of Pterospermum, completely identifies the genus with
polypetalous syncarpous orders.
The following are the sections :
§ 1. True Sterculiaceje.
Biittneriaceae, § Stercutiacea?, Kunth 1. c. (1822). § Sterculiere, Dec. Prodr.
1. 481. (1824.)
Flowers frequently diclinous. Flowers with or without petals. Stamens
often connected in a long column, bearing the anthers at the apex. Fruit either
deeply lobed, or concrete. — Trees. Leaves simple, entire, or lobed ; petioles
with a swelling at both their base and apex.
Examples. Sterculia, Heritiera, Reevesia.
§ 2. DoMBEYACEJE.
Biittneriaceae, § Dombeyaceae, Kunth, 1. c. (1822). Dec. 1. c. (1824.)
Calyx 5-lobed. Petals 5, rather large, unequal-sided, convolute in aestiva-
tion. Stamens some multiple of the number of the petals, in a single row,
monadelphous, rarely all fertile, usually some sterile, thread- or strap-shaped ;
some (usually 2 or 3 between each sterile stamen) fertile, and more or less
combined. Styles from 3 to 5, combined or distinct. Ovula 2 or more in each
cell, in two rows. Embryo straight, in the axis of fleshy albumen. Cotyle-
dons leafy, often bifid, crumpled or flat. Dec.
Examples. Pentapetes, Astrapa?a, Dombeya.
§ 3. WallichiejE.
Biittneriaceae, § Wallichiese, Dec. Mem. Mus. 10. 102. (1823) ; Prodr. 1.
501. (1824.)
Calyx 5-lobed, surrounded by an involucrum, consisting of from 3 to 5
leaves, and distant from the flower. Petals 5, flat. Stamens numerous, with
long monadelphous filaments, of which the outermost are the smallest, arranged
in a column like those of Malvaceae. Anthers erect, 2-celled. Dec.
Examples. Eriolaena, Wallichia.
§ 4. Hermanniace.32.
Hermanniaceas, Juss. ex Kunth, Diss. p. 11. (1822) ; Nov. Gen. 5. 312.
(1821) ; Dec. Prodr. 1. 490. (1824) ; a section nf Buttneriaceae.
Flowers monoclinous. Calyx 5-lobed, persistent, either with or without
an involucrum. Petals 5, twisted spirally before expansion. Stamens 5,
monadelphous in a slight degree, all fertile and opposite the petals, with ovate
2-celled anthers. Carpella concrete. Albumen between fleshy and mealy.
Embryo included ; radicle inferior, ovate. Cotyledons flat, leafy, entire. Dec.
— Shrubs, or herbaceous plants. Leaves alternate, simple, entire, or variously
cut. Stipules 2, adhering to the petioles. Peduncles axillary, or opposite the
leaves, or terminal, with 1, 3, or many flowers, which are usually in umbels.
Kunth. M. Decandolle assigns these plants a curved embryo ; but all Iler-
manniaceffi have it not.
Examples. Melochia, Hermannia, Riedleia.
§ 5. True ButtneriacejE.
Buttneriaceae, JR. Brown, 1. c. ; Kunth, 1. c. p. 6. — Biittnerieae, Dec. Prodr.
1.484.
Petals usually hollowed out at the base, and expanded at the point into a
sort of strap. Filaments 5, sterile, ligulate, opposite the petals ; others fertile,
alternate, solitary, or pentadelphous in trees, or with but a single anther. Ova-
38
rium 5-celled, the cells usually 2-seeded. Seeds sometimes without albumen,
with thick cotyledons ; sometimes albuminous, with foliaceous, plane, or con-
volute cotyledons. Dec— Trees, shrubs, or very rarely herbaceous plants.
Leaves alternate, entire, sometimes cut. Stipules twin. Peduncles axillary,
opposite the leaves, and terminal, with 1 or many flowers. Kunth.
Examples. Theobroma, Guazuma, Commersonia, Buttneria.
<§ 6. LasiopetalejE.
Lasiopetalese, Gay. Mem, Mus. 7. 431. (1S21). — Biittneriaceae, § Lasiope-
talea-, Kunth, 1. c. (1822) ; Dec. 1. c. (1824.)
Calyx 5-parted, petaloid, persistent, or withering. Petals minute, like scales,
or wanting. Filaments subulate, connate at the base ; sometimes 5, opposite
the petals ; sometimes 10, alternately barren and fertile. Anthers incumbent,
with contiguous lobes. Ovarium with from 3 to 5 cells, each of which con-
tains from 2 to 8 ovules. Carpella 5, 2-valved, usually closely concrete, or
partially distinct. Seeds strophiolate at the base. Albumen fleshy. Embryo
erect. Cotyledons flat, foliaceous. Dec. — Shrubs. Leaves alternate, usually
in threes, simple, entire, or lobed. Stipules twin (or perhaps none.) Inflore-
scence cymose, corymbose, or racemose, opposite the leaves, very rarely pro-
duced within the leaves. Pedicels with bractea^, sometimes articulated above
the middle. Kunth.
Examples. Lasiopetalum, Seringia.
Geography. India, New Holland, the Cape of Good Hope, and South
America, with the West Indies, are the chief countries inhabited by this order,
taken collectively ; but its various sections are each characterized by peculiari-
ties of geographical distribution. Thus :
SterculiacecB are principally found in India and equinoctial Africa ; 5 or 6
only have been discovered in Mexico and South America.
DombeyacecR are all African or East Indian, mostly the latter, with the ex-
ception of Pentapetes ovata, found in New Spain.
JVallichiece are half Indian and half South American ; but 4 species only are
on record in the whole.
Of Hermanniaceaz two thirds are found exclusively at the Cape of Good
Hope ; the remainder are chiefly West Indian and South American ; about
one tenth are natives of the East Indies, and two or three are found in the
South Seas.
The Biithieriacecc are principally natives of South America and the West
Indies ; about one seventh is found in the East Indies, a similar number in
New Holland, and a single species, Glossostemon Bruguieri, in Persia.
Lasiopetalece, are exclusively from New Holland.
Properties. These, like the orders most nearly related to them, are chiefly
remarkable for the abundance of mucilage they contain. The seeds of Ster-
culia acuminata afford the Kola spoken of by African travellers, which, when
chewed or sucked, renders the flavour of water, even if half putrid, agreeable.
The seeds of the Chicha, Sterculia Chicha, are eaten as nuts by the Brazilians.
PI. Usuelles, 46. The Gum Tragacanth of Sierra Leone is produced by a spe-
cies of Sterculia (St, Tragacantha Milii.) The pod of Sterculia fcetida is, ac-
cording to Horsfield, employed in gonorrhoea in Java. The leaves are con-
sidered repellent and aperient. A decoction of the fruit is mucilaginous and
astringent. Jlinslie, 2. 119. The bark of a species of Sterculia is employed
in the Moluccas as an emmenagogue ; and the seeds of all that genus are filled
with an oil, which may be expressed and used for lamps. There is a slight
acridity in the seeds of Sterculia. The Waltheria Douradinha is used in Brazil
as a remedy for venereal disorders, for which its very mucilaginous nature ren-
ders it proper. PI. Usuelles, 36. The fruit of Guazuma ulmifolia is filled
39
with a sweet and agreeable mucilage, which the Brazilians suck with much
pleasure. In Martinique the young bark is used to clarify sugar, for which the
copious mucilage it yields when macerated qualifies it. In the same island the
infusion of the old bark is esteemed as a sudorific, and useful in cutaneous
diseases. Ibid. 47. The buttery, slightly bitter substance, called Cocoa, is
obtained from the seeds of Theobroma Cacao, and from this Chocolate is pre-
pared.
XXVIII. MORINGEiE.
Moringe-s:, R. Brown in Dcnkam, p. 33. (1826.)
Diognosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous stamens, concrete
carpella, a superior 1-celled ovarium with parietal placentae, a 3-valved capsule,
somewhat irregular flowers, and embryo without albumen.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx consisting of 5 nearly equal divisions (deciduous Dec.,) the
tube lined with a fleshy disk ; astitation slightly imbricated. Corolla of 5 nearly equal pe-
tals, the uppermost of which is ascending, btamens 10, arising from the top of the tube of the
calyx ; 5 opposite the sepals, sometimes sterile ; .filaments slightly petaloid, callous and hairy
at the base; anthers simple, 1-celled, with a thick convex connectivum. Ovarium stipitate,
superior, 1-celled, with 3 parietal placenta; ; style filiform, terminal, not obliquely inserted ;
stigma simple. Fruit a long pod-like capsule, with 3 valves, and only 1 cell ; the valves bear-
ing the seeds along their middle. Seeds numerous, half buried in the fungous substance of
the valves, sometimes winged ; embryo without albumen ; radicle straight, very small ; cotyle-
dons fleshy, plano-convex. — Trees. Leaves pinnate, with an odd one. Flowers in panicles.
Affinities. Confounded with Leguminosae, until separated by the autho-
rity of Mr. Brown, who does not, however, point out the real affinities of the
order. M. Decandolle, who did not overlook its anomalous structure as a Le-
guminous plant, accounted for the compound nature of its fruit upon the sup-
position, that although unity of carpellum is the normal structure of Legumi-
nosae, yet the presence of more ovaria than one, in a few instances in that or-
der, explained the constantly trilocular state of that of Moringa. To this, how-
ever, there are numerous and grave objections, which cannot fail to strike every
botanist. To me it appears very near Bignoniaceee, notwithstanding its polype-
talous corolla, agreeing with that order in its compound fruit, winged seeds,
irregular uowers, and compound leaves. It may be also compared with Mal-
vaceae, on account of its nearly valvate sepals, or rather with Biittneriaceae on
the same account, and because of its sterile stamens alternating with the fertile
ones ; its habit is, however, against the approximation, and it is probable that
these coincidences indicate analogy rather than affinity.
Geography. Natives of the East Indies and Arabia.
Properties. The root of the Hyperanthera Moringa has a pungent odour,
with a warm, biting, and somewhat aromatic taste ; it is used as a stimulant in
paralytic affections and intermittent fever ; it is also employed as a rubefacient,
Ainslie, 1. 175. The nuts (seeds) of this plant, are called by the French pois
qutniques and chicot. Ibid.
Example. Moringa.
40
XXIX. TILIACE.E. The Linden Tribe.
Tiliaceje, Juss. Gen. 290. (17S9) in part. ; Kunth. Malv. Diss. p. 14. (1822) ; Dec. Prodr.
1. 502. (1824); Lindl. Coll. p. 54.(1829.)
Diognosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous distinct stamens,
concrete carpella, an ovarium with several cells, and the placentae in the axis, a
calyx with valvate aestivation, anthers bursting longitudinally, and hypogynous
glands between the petals and ovarium.
Anomalies. Petals sometimes absent. Diplophractum is remarkable for
having an extremely anomalous fruit, with several spurious cells, and with the
placentae apparently in the circumference instead of the axis. Apeiba has
sometimes as many as 24 cells in the fruit. Mr. Brown notices the existence
of an African genus of this order (Christiana, Dec.,) remarkable in having a
calyx of 3 lobes, while its corolla consists of 5 petals ; the fruit composed of 5
single-seeded capsules, connected only at the base. Cong. 428.
Essential Character.— Sepals 4 or 5, with a valvular aestivation, usually with no involu-
crum. Petal* 4 or 5, entire, usually with a little pit at their base; very seldom wanting;
most commonly the size of the sepals. Stamens generally indefinite, hypogynous, distinct ;
anthers 2-celled, dehiscing longitudinally; in Sparmannia the outer stamens are barren.
Disk formed of glands, equal in number to the petals, at the base of which they are placed,
adhering to the stalk of the ovarium. Ovarium single, composed of from 4 to 10 carpella;
style one ; stigmata as many as the carpella. Fruit dry, of several cells. Seeds numerous ;
embryo erect in the axis of fleshy albumen, with flat foliaceous cotyledons. — Trees or shrubs,
very seldom herbaceous plants. Leaves simple, stipulate, toothed, alternate. Flowers axillary.
Affinities. These resemble Sterculiaceee, Malvaceae, and the orders allied
to them, in most respects, and especially in the valvate aestivation of their
calyx. They are known by their glandular disk and distinct stamens, with 2-
celled anthers.
Geography. The principal part of the order is found within the tropics
all over the world, forming mean weed-like plants, or shrubs, or trees, with
handsome, usually white or pink, flowers. A small number is peculiar to the
northern parts of either hemisphere, where they form timber-trees.
Properties. They have all a mucilaginous, wholesome juice. The
leaves of Corchorus olitorius are used in Egypt as a pot-herb. The berries of
some of them are succulent and eatable. The species are more remarkable for
the toughness of the fibres of their inner bark, which are used for various eco-
nomical purposes. Fishing lines and nets are made in India of Corchorus cap-
sularis ; and the Russian mats of commerce are manufactured from the Tilia.
The bark of Luhea paniculata is used in Brazil for tanning leather. The
wood of Luhea divaricata, which is white and light, but very close grained,
makes good musket-stocks, and wooden soles for shoes. The Brazilians call
all such Acjoita cavallos, because the sticks they use for driving their cattle are
generally obtained from them. PI. Us. 66.
Examples. Tilia, Sparmannia, Corchorus.
XXX. ELyEOCARPEiE.
Eleocarpej:, Juss. Ann. Mus. 11. 223. (1808); Dec. Prodr. 1. 519. (1824.)
Diagnosis, Polypetalous dicotyledons, with numerous hypogynous distinct
stamens, concrete carpella, a many-celled ovarium with the placentae in the
axis, a calyx with valvate aestivation, anthers bursting by pores, and lacerated
imbricated petals.
41
Anomalies. Nome, if Decadia, a genus of winch little is known, with
vound anthers and 10 slightly .serrated petals, be excluded.
Essential Character.— Sepal* -1 or 5, with a valvular activation, and no involucruirt.
Petals 4 or 5, hypoo-ynous, lobed or fringed at the point. Disk glandular, somewhat project-
ing. Stamens from 15 to 20 ; filaments short, distinct; anthers long, filiform, 4-OOrnercd,
2-celled, the cells opening- by an oblong pore at the apex. Ovarium many-celled ; style one.
Fruit variable, either indehiscent, dry, or drupaceous, or valvular. Seeds 2 or more in each
-cell; albumen fleshy; embryo erect, with flat, leafy tfotyUdens.— Trees or snrubs. Leaves
alternate, entire or serrated, simple, with deciduous stij/ula: Mowers racemose.
Affinities. These differ from Tiliacca- only in their fringed petals, ami
anthers opening by two pores at the apex. Dec. M. Kunth combines them
with that order. Diss. Mate. p. 16.
Geography. Of the described species, 10 are found in the East Indies, 4
in South America, 2 in New Holland, and 2 in New Zealand ; several more,
however, exist in India.
Properties. Nothing mofe is known than that the fruit of some is eata-
ble. They are handsome trees or shrubs, with showy flowers ; and the fur-
rowed, sculptured, bony fruit of the Elaeocarpi, being freed from its pulp, forms
handsome necklaces, which are not uncommonly set in gold, and sold in the
shops.
Examples. Elreocarpus, Vallea.
XXXI. DIPTEROCARPEyE. The Camphor Tree Tribe.
DipterocarpejE, Blume Bijdr. p. 222. (1825); Fl. Java (1820).
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous indefinite stamens,
•subulate anthers opening towards the apex, concrete carpella, an ovarium of
several cells with pendulous ovules in pairs, a tubular calyx with imbricated
•aestivation, and a fruit surrounded by the dilated unequal foliaceous calyx.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx tubular, 5-lobcd, unequal, naked at the base; aestivation
imbricated. Petals hypogynous, sessile, combined at the base; aestivation contorted. Sta-
mens indefinite, hypogynous, distinct, or slig-htly and irregularly polyadelphous; anthers
innate, subulate, opening longitudinally towards the apex; filaments dilated at the base.
'Ovarium superior, without a disk, few-celled ; ovules in pairs, pendulous; style single; sii%-
ma 3imple. Fruit coriaceous, l-celled by abortion, 3-valved or indehiscent, surrounded by
the enlarged calyx. Seed single, without albumen ; cotyledons twisted and crumpled, or unc-
2ual and obliquely incumbent; radicle superior. — Elegant frees, abounding in resinous juice.
jeaves alternate, involute in vernation, with veins running out from the midrib to the mar-
gin ; stipules deciduous, oblong, convolute, terminating the branches with a taper point. Pe-
duncles terminal, or almost so, in racemes or panicles ; flowers usually large.
Affinities. Very near Elaeocarpeae, but also allied to Malvaceae in the
contorted aestivation of the corolla, and the crumpled cotyledons : they differ
from the latter in having the stamens either distinct or partially combined, long
narrow 2-celled anthers, and pendulous ovules ; and from the former in their
petals not being fringed, and in want of albumen. Their resinous juice, soli-
tary superior ovarium, drupaceous fruit, numerous long anthers, irregular
coloured calyx, and single exalbuininotis seed, ally them, as Blume remark.-,
to Guttiferae, from which their stipulae and the aestivation of the corolla abun-
dantly distinguish them. The enlarged foliaceous unequal segments of the
calyx, while investing the fruit, point out this family at once.
Geography. Only found in the eastern islands of the Indian Archipelago,
where, according to Blume, they form the largest trees of the forest.
Properties. Here belongs the famous Camphor tree of Sumatra, Dryo-
balanops Camphora, which is no doubt a species of Dipterocarpus. The carn-
16
42
phor is found in a concrete state in the cavities and fissures in the heart of
the tree. It is less volatile than the common camphor of commerce. Ed. P.
J. 6. 400. See remarks upon this tree in Blume's Flora Java. Shorea
robusta yields a balsamic resin used in the temples of India. The fruit of Va-
teria indica (Piney Tree) is boiled for the sake of a tallow, which rises to the
surface of the water, and forms a hard cake when cool. In this state it is
whitish, greasy to the touch, with rather an agreeable odour. It is extremely
tenacious and solid, but melts at a temperature of 97J-° Fahr. Brewst. 4. 186.
Examples. Dipterocarpus, Dryobalanops.
XXXII. TERN^TROMIACEiE.
TernstromiacEjE, Mirb. Bull. Philom. 381. (1813.)— Tehsntromiaceje, Dec. Mem. Soc. 11.
N. Genet, vol. 1. (1823) ; Prodr. 1. 523. (1824) ; Cambesscdcs Memoirc (1S28.)— Theaces,
Mirb. Bull. Phil. (1813.)— Camelliea:. Dec. Theor. Elem. ed. 1. (1813); Prodr. 1. 529.
(1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous, indefinite, mona-
delphous, or polyadelphous stamens, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several
cells, with the placentae in the axis, a persistent, imbricated, many leaved
calyx, alternate simple leaves, and definite seeds.
Anomalies. Cochlospermum has the ovarium 1-celled, with imperfect
septa, to the margins of which the ovula are attached. Leaves very rarely
opposite. Cambesstdes.
Essential Character. — Flowers very rarely polygamous. Sepals 5 or 7, imbricated in
{estivation, concave, coriaceous, deciduous, the innermost often the largest. Petals 5, 6, or 9,
equal in number to the sepals, often combined at the base. Stamens very numerous; fila-
ments iAiiorm, monadelphous, or polyadelphous; anthers versatile or actuate. Ovarium
superior, with several cells; styles from 3 to /, filiform, more or less combined; ovules pen-
dulous, or erect, or peltate. Capsule 2-7-cellcd and capsular, with the dehiscence taking place
in various ways; sometimes coriaceous and indchiscent; usually with a central column.
Seeds large, attached to the axis, very few ; albumen none, or in very small quantity ; embryo
straight, bowed or folded back, the radicle turned to the hilum ; cotyledons very large, often
tilled with oil, occasi. tnalfy plaited lengthwise ; an arillus sometimes present.— Trees or shrubs.
Leaves alternate, coriaceous, without stipulce, usually undivided, now and then with pellucid
dots. Peduncles axillary or terminal, articulated at the babe, /''lowers generally white, sel-
dom pink or red, very rarely (in Cochlospermum) yellow.
Affinities. This order originated in 1813, with M. Mirbel, who separated
some of its genera from Aurantiacea:, whore they had been placed by Jussieu,
and at the same time founded another closely allied order, under the name of
Theaceaj. These opinions were substantially adopted by Messrs. Kunth and
Decandolle, the latter of whom, moreover, formed several sections among his
Temstromiacese. It is, however, certain that no solid difference exists between
this last order and Theaceas, or Camelliese as they were called by Decandolle ;
and Cambessedes, after a careful revision of the whole, has come to the con-
clusion, that even the sections proposed by De< lolle among Ternstrbmiaccae
are untenable. I shall profit by M. Cambessedes' ol nervations in all I have to
say upon the order. Ternstrbmiaceee may be con p red, in the first, place, with
Guttiferte, with which they accord more closely than with any thing else, and
in the affinities of which they entirely participate. They differ thus : in Tern-
strbmiacete the leaves are alternate, to which there are scarcely any exceptions ;
they are always opposite in Gutlifera. In the former the normal number of
the parts of the flower appears to be 5 and its multiples ; in the Guttiferae it is
evidently two. In the former the calyx is always perfectly distinct from the
corolla ; these two organs are usually confounded in the latter. Ternstrb-
miaceaj have the petals generally united at the base, and a twisted aestivation ;
in Guttiferee they arc distinct, with a convolute aestivation. The seeds of the
43
former are almost always cither destitute of albumen, or furnished with a mem-
branous wing ; the latter have neither the one nor the other. The first have
the radicle always near the hilum; the second have it either near the hilum
or turned in an opposite direction. Finally, in Guttiferae the cotyledons are
very thick, and firmly glued together; and this character, which is not ob-
served in Ternstromlaceae, is the more important, as it is not liable to any
exception Ternstrdmiacefce are allied to Hyperecincae through the medium of
< 'arpodontos, a genus which, with the foliage of the latter order, has the fruit
of the former ; and also of certain plants of Ilypericinea-, which, according to
Cambessedes, have a definite number of seeds. With Marcgraaviaceae they
agree through Norantea, which has the stamens slightly adherent to the base
Of the petals, and fixed anthers ; but that order is entirely different in habit,
and is well marked by its singular cucullate bractea?, its fruit, and its wingless
exalbuminous seeds. Many genera of Temstromiaceae, such as Kielmeyera
and others, have the habit of Tiliaceae, while the fruit of Laplacea is strikingly
like that of Luhea ; hut the aestivation of the calyx and many other characters
distinguish them.
Geography. Although the plants of this order which are known in
European gardens are chiefly from China or North America, these form but an
inconsiderable part of the whole : 7 or 8 are all that are contained in the first
of these countries, and 4 in the latter ; while between 60 and 70, all beautiful
trees or shrubs, are natives of the woods of South America ; about a score are
known in the East Indies, and one in Africa.
Properties. These are ill understood, but little being known of the greater
part of the species. The tea which is so extensively consumed by Europeans
is produced by different species of Thea and Camellia. An excellent table oil
is expressed from the seeds of Camellia oleifera. The different species and
varieties of Camellia japonica are the glory of gardeners. The fruit of a species
of Saurauja is said to be acidulous, and to resemble Tomatoes in flavour. Dec.
The leaves of Kielmeyera speciosa are employed in Brazil for fomentations,
for which they are well adapted, on account of the mucilage with which they
abound. PI. Us. 58. It. is believed in Brazil, that a decoction of the roots of
a plant called Butua do curro (Wittelsbachia insignis Mart., Maximilianea
regia Ibid., Cochlospermum insigne Aug. St. H.) has the power of healing
internal abscesses. The Brazilians take it for all kinds of internal bruises.
PL Us. 57.
Examples. Thea, Gordonia, Saurauja, Ternstromia.
XXXIII. LEGYTHIDE7E.
Lecythides, Richard MSS. Poiteau Mem. Mus. 13. 141. (1825); Dec. Prodr. 3. 290. (1828);
a sect. of. Myrtacesei Ach. Richard in Ann. des Sc. 1. 321. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with indefinite perigynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium of several cells, round anthers, indefinite
ovula, and exalbuminous seeds.
Anomalies. Ovula sometimes definite.
Essential Characteh. — Calyx superior, 2- t" 6-leavcd, or urceolate, with a divided limb;
EesUvation valvate or imbricated. Corolla consisting of 6 petals, sometimes cohering- at the
l>:i*p, with an imbricated restivation. Stamens: indefinite, epigynous, either connected into a
pctaloid cucullate unilateral body, or monadclphous at the base. Ovarium inferior, 2- to
/-celled; orula indefinite, or definite attached to the axis; stigma simple. Fruit a woody
capsule, cither opening with a lid, or remaining closed. Seeds several, covered by a thick
integument; embryo without albumen, cither undivided or with two large plaited leafy or
fleshy cotyledons, sometimes folded upon the radicle, which is next the hilum.— Large trees,
with alternate entire or toothed leaves, with minute deciduous stipulsc, and without pellucid
dots. Floxcers large, showy, terminal, solitary, or racemose.
11
Affinities. Combined by Decandolle and others with Myrtaceae, from
which the}' differ most essentially in their alternate, often serrated leaves, with*
out pellucid dots. To me they appear, notwithstanding the perigynous station
of their stamens, to be more nearly allied to Temstrdmiaceae. For an account
of the germination of Lecythis, see Du Petit Thonars, Ess. 3. 32.
Geography. Natives of the hottest parts of South America, especially of
Guiana.
Properties. The fruit of Couroupita guianensis, called Jlhricot savauge
in Cayenne, is vinous apd pleasant. The most gigantic tree in the ancient
forests of Brazil is that called the Sapucaya. It is the Lecythis ollaria, the
seeds of which are. large and eatable, Pr. Max. Trav. 83. The fleshy seeds
of all the species of Lecythis are ealabje, but they leave a bitter unpleasant after-
taste in the mouth. The bark of L. ollaria is easily separable, by beating the
liber into a number of fine distinct lawyers, which divide so neatly from each
other, that, when separated, they have ihe appearance of thin satiny paper.
Poiteau says he has counted as many as ] 10 of these coatings. The Indians
cut them in pieces, as wrappers for their cigars. The well-known Brazil nuts
of the shops of London are the seeds of Bertholletia excelsa. The lacerated
parts of the flowers of Couroupita guianensis become blue upon exposure
to the air. The Gustavia urceolata is called bois puunl, because its wood be-,
comes, after similar exposure, excessively foetid. Poiteau, 1. c.
Examples. Bertholletia, Lecythis, Gustavia
XXXIV. GUTTIFERyE. The Mangosteen Tribe.
Guttife?^, Juse. Ge: .243. (1789); Dec. Prodr. 1. 557. (1824); Cambessedes Mi moire (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous indefinite un-
equal stamens, adnate anthers, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells
with the placenta1 in. the axis, a persistent imbricated many-leaved calyx, oppo-
site simple leaves without stipulae, and resinous juice.
Anomalies. Havetia has the anthers immersed in a fleshy receptacle
The ovarium of Calophyllum is 1 celled, and the petals opposite the sepals.
Essential Character.*— F/oirers monoclinous, or diclinous. Sepals from 2 to 6, usually
persistent, round, membranous, and imbricated, frequently unequal and coloured. Petals
hypogynous, from 4 to 10, passing" insensibly into sepals. Stamens numerous, either distinct,
or combined in one or more parcels, hypogynouB, rarely definite ; filaments of various lengths ;
anthers adnate, bursting inwards, sometimes very small, occasionally bursting outwards,
sometimes 1-celled, and sometimes opening- by a pore. Disk fleshy, occasionally 5-lobcd.
Ovarium solitary, superior, 1- or many-celled ; ovules solitary, erect, or ascending, or numc-
rpus ajid attached to central placentae ; sfyZenone, or very short; stigma peltate, or radiate.
Fruit either dry or succulent, 1- or many-celled, 1- or many-seeded, dehiscent or indehiscent.
Seeds frequently nestling in pulp; their coat thin and membranous, always apterous, very
frequently with an niillus; albumen none; embryo straight; cotyledons thick, inseparable ;
radicle either turned to or from the hilum.— Trees or sh rubs, occasionally parasitical, yielding
resinous juice. fjeaves without stipulje, opposite, very rarely alternate, coriaceous, entire,
with a strong midrib, and often with the lateral veins running through to the margin. Flow-
ers usually numerous, axillary, pr terminal, white, pink, or red, articulated with their pedun-
cle.
Affinities. In treating of Ternstromiacese 1 have made use of the excel
lent memoir of < Jambessedes for the purpose of explaining the affinities of that
order with this; and 1 draw the following comparisons from the same source ;
premising only, that European botanists are much in want of good observa-
tions upon living plants of < ruttiferse, and that there is no order that is more in.
need of elucidation from some skilful Indian botanist than this. M. Combes-.
st'des remarks that Guttiferae differ from Hypericinett in their branches, their
leaves, and their articulated peduncles ; in the normal number of the parts of
their flowers, which appears to be two and its multiples, instead of three or
four, which obtains in Hypericineae; in their anthers united the whole length
with the filament, and not articulated at the summit ; in their seeds, which of-
ten have an arillus, and are solitary in each cell of the ovarium, a character
found in no Hypericineae (the monospermous cells of the fruit of some Vismias
is due to abortion) ; finally, in the structure of the embryo, which is different
in the two orders. Marcgraaviaceae are distinguished by their alternate leaves,
the singular form of their lower bracteae, their petals frequently united, and by
their seeds being very small, and exceedingly numerous.
Geography. All natives of the tropics, the greater part of South Ameri-
ca; a few are from Madagascar, none from the continent, of Africa. They
generally require situations combining excessive heat and humidity.
Properties. The species all abound in a viscid, yellow, acrid, and purga-
tive gum-resinous juice resembling Gamboge. According to some, the Sta-
lagmitis Gambogioides yields the gum-resin called Gamboge, which is obtained
by removing the bark or by breaking the leaves and young shoots. This sub-
stance, or something approaching it very nearly, is also obtained from Garci-
nia celebica, and a plant named Gambogia gutta. The powerful drastic ca-
thartic properties of Gamboge are well known. If dissolved in water, and ex-
amined beneath a very powerful microscope, this substance will be found to.
consist entirely of active molecules. According to Dr. Hamilton, there is no
ground for supposing the Gamboge to be produced by Garcinia Cambogia, as
some have believed. L. Tr. 13. 485. In the West Indies the juice of Mam-
mea is employed to destroy the chiggers, little insects which attack the naked
feet, introducing themselves into the flesh below the toe-nails. The bark of
many kinds is astringent and slightly vermifugal. The berry of Garcinia
Mangostana is believed to be the most grateful to the palate of all the fruits
that are known. The Butter and Tallow-tree of Sierra Leone, which owes
its name (Pentadesma butyracea) to the yellow greasy juice which its fruit
yields when cut, belongs to this order.
Examples. Garcinia, Calophyllum, Clusia.
XXXV. MARCGRAAVIACEAE.
Marcgra aviaceje, Jusb. Ann. Mas. 14. 397. (1809) ; Dec. Prodr. 1. 565. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous indefinite sta-
mens, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells with the placentae in the
axis, a persistent imbricated many-leaved calyx, alternate simple leaves and in-
definite seeds.
Anomalies. The corolla is calyptriform in Antholorna and Marcgraavia.
Essential Character. — Sepals from 2 to 7, usually coriaceous and imbricated. Corolla
hypogynous ; sometimes monopetalous, calyptriform, entire, or torn at the point, sometimes
consisting- of five petals. Stamens indefinite, inserted either on the receptacle or on a hypo-
gynous membrane ; filaments dilated at the lias*-; anthers long', innate, bursting inwards.
Ovarium single, superior, usually furrowed, many-celled, many-seeded ; style single; stigma
single or capitate; orvla numerous, attached to a central placenta. Capsule coriaceous, con-
sisting of several valves which separate slightly; dissepiments proceeding from the middle
of the valves, but not meeting- in the centre, so that the fruit is 1-celled. Seeds, very minute
and numerous, nestling in pulp. — Shrubs, having sometimes a scrambling habit. Leaves al-
ternate. Flowers in umbels or spikes. Peduncles naked, or furnished with either simple or
cucullate hollow braciece.
46
Affinities. The station of this order is uncertain; it approaches Ebeno-
eeae in its monopetalous corolla cut round at the base, in the anthers attached
by their base, and the alternate leaves : Ericese in the anthers and disk of the
genus Antholoina: Hypericineae and Guttiferae in the hypogynous stamens, the
polypetalous corolla of some genera, placentation and numerous seeds ; where-
fore Jussieu stationed the order near Clusia. Dec. Proclr. 1. 565. (1824.) M.
Turpin has somewhere remarked, that the bracteae of this order offer a clear
explanation of the conversion of a degenerated leaf into an ovulum.
Geography. All found in equinoctial America, except Antholoma, which
is a native of New Caledonia.
Properties. Handsome and curious plants, remarkable for their singular
cucullate braeteee. Nothing is known of their qualities.
M. Decandolle distinguishes
Sub-order I. Marcgraavie;e.
Corolla calyptriform. Stamens inserted in the receptacle.
Sub-order IT. Noranteje.
Petals 5. Stamens pressed close to the corolla, and as if inserted into it.
Examples Noiantea, Marcgraavia.
XXXI. HYPERICINEiE. The Tutsan Tribe
Hyperica, Juss. Gen.254. (1789)— Hypericineje, Chois. Prodr. Hyp. 32. (1821) ; Dec. Prodr.
1. 541. (1824) ; Lindl. Synops. p. 41. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous indefinite sym-
metrical polyadelphous stamens, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells
with the placentae in the axis, an irregular calyx with imbricate aestivation, in-
definite seeds, resinous yellow juice.
Anomalies. Laneritia has 10 monadelphous stamens. Some species of
Vismia have solitary seeds, according to Cambessedes.
Essential Charactp.b. — Sepals 4-5, either more or less cohering-, or wholly distinct, per-
Bistent, unequal, with glandular dots. Petals 4-5, hypogynous, with a twisted estivation and
oblique venation, often having black dots. Staynens indefinite, hypogynous, in three or more
parcels; an Ihers versatile. Ovary single, superior; styles severed, rarely connate; stigma
simple, occasionally capitate. Print a capsule or berry, of many valves and many cells; the
■edges of the former being curved inwards. Seeds minute, indefinite, usually tapering,
attached to a placenta in the axis or on the inner edge of the dissepiments; embryo straight,
with an inferior radicle and no albumen.— Herbaceous plants, shrubs, or trees with a resinous
juice. Leaves opposite, entire, dotted, occasionally alternate and crcnated. Flowers generally
yellow. Iiijlorescence variable.
Affinities. Nearly allied to Guttiferse, from which they chiefly differ in
their small round and versatile anthers, numerous styles, and polyspermous
capsides. To Cistineae they approximate in many points, differing principally
in their fruit, polyadelphous stamens, and dotted leaves. With Saxifrageee
they appear to me to have a strong relation, through the medium of Pamassia,
the fringed "hinds of which are analogous to polyandrous fascicles of Hype-
ricum. The leaves of Hypericineae are very commonly marked with dots,
which are either transparent, or black and opaque.
Geography. These are very generally spread over the surface of the
earth, inhabiting mountains and valleys, marshes and dry plains', meadows and
heaths. The following is the distribution of them, according to M. Choky : —
Europe, 19 ; North America, 41 ; South America, 21 ; West Indies, 1 : Asia,
47
24 • New Holland, 5 ; Africa and the neighbouring islands, 7 ; Azores and
Canaries, 5 ; common to Europe and Asia, 4 ; common to Europe, Asia, and
Africa, 1. {Choisy, Prodr. 1821.)
Properties. The juice of many species is slightly purgative and febrifu-
gal ; it is most copious in the Vismias, and is analogous to Gamboge, has a
resinous smell, and gives out to spirit of wine, or oil, a red colour, which may
be employed in dyeing. Hypericum hircinum is fcetid. A gargle for sore
throats is prepared in Brazil from Hypericum connatum, commonly called
Ortlha de Gato. PI. Us. 61. A decoction of the leaves of another species,
Hypericum laxiusculum, or Alkcrim brabo, is reputed in the same country
as a specific against the bites of serpents. lb. 62.
Examples. Hypericum, Vismea, Elodea.
The following sections are employed by M. Choisy :
Sub-order I. True Hypericine*.
Seeds taper. Styles usually from 3 to 5.
Tribe 1. Vismieje. Fruit a berry. Flowers in distinct leafless, racemose,
or corymbose panicles. Trees or shrubs. Leaves stalked.
Tribe 2. Hyperice;e. Fruit a capsule. Flowers terminal or axillary.
Herbaceous plants or under-shrubs. Leaves usually sessile.
Sub-order II. Anomalous Hypericine.e
Seeds flat, winged. Styles more than 5.
XXXVII. REAUMURIEiE. .
Reaumurieje, Ehrenberg in Ann. des Sc. 12. 78. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with indefinite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an imbricated calyx, an ovarium of several cells, several
styles, and villous seeds definite in number.
Anomalies.
K.-sen-tial Character.— ( 'nly.v 5-partcd, surrounded externally by imbricated bracteae.
Petals 5, hypogynous. Stamens definite or indefinite, hypogynous, with or Without an hypogy-
nous di.sk; anthers peltate. Ovarium superior ; styles several, filiform, or subulate. Fruit
capsular, with 2 to 5 valves, and as many cells', and a loculicidal dehiscence. Seeds definite,
villous, erect; embryo straight, surrounded by a small quantity of mealy albumen; radicle
next the hilum. — Shrubs. Leaves fleshy, scale-like, or small, alternate, without stipula;.
Flowers solitary.
Affinities. Dr. Ehrenberg suggests {Ann. des Sc. 12. 72.) that Reaunm-
ria and Hololachna, both of which have, according to him, hypogynous sta-
mens, may constitute a little group, to be called Reaumuriere. To me the
order appears more nearly related to Hypericinea: than to either Ficoidea? or Ta-
mariscinea:. From the former it chiefly differs in its succulent habit , a nd definite
\illous seeds, agreeing, in Reaumuria at least, even in the obliquity of the veins
of the petals, and in the leaves being dotted. From Ficoideae its hypogynous
stamens and seeds distinguish it ; from Tamaiiscineae its plurilocular ovarium
and distinct styles ; from Nitrariacere its erect villous seeds, distinct styles, and
hypogynous stamens.
Geography. Natives of the Mediterranean and the middlei parts of
Northern Asia.
Properties None except the presence of saline matter in great abun-
dance.
Examples. Reaumuria, Hololachna
413
XXXVlII. SAXIFRAGES. The Saxifrage Tribe
Saxifragje, Jus. Gen. 308. (1789); Vent. Tabl. 2. 277. (1799).— Saxifrage*:,. Dec. atid
Duby, 207. (1828) ; Lindl. Synops. 66. (1829.) [Dec. Prod. 4. 1, inpart (1830.)]
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous definite stamens,
(2) ovaria adhering more or less to the calyx and to each other, indefinite seeds,
and no stipule.
Anomalies. Parnassia has 4 parietal placentae opposite the lobes of the
stigma. Petals sometimes absent. Adoxa is a doubtful genus of the order,
\vith a berry of several cells. In Heuchera the flowers are irregular.
Essential Character. — Calyx either superior or inferior, of 4 or 5 sepals, which cohere
more or less at their base. Petals 5, or none, inserted between the lobes of the calyx. Sta-
mens 5-10, inserted either into the calyx (perigynous), or beneath the ovarium (hypogynous) ;
anthers 2-celled, bursting- longitudinally. Disk either hypogynous or perigynous, sometimes
nearly obsolete, sometimes annular and notched, rarely consisting of 5 scales. Ovarium in-
ferior, or nearly superior, usually consisting of 2 carpella, cohering more or less by their faces
but distinct at the apex ; sometimes 2-celled with central placenta ; sometimes 1-celled with
parietal placentae ; rarely 4- or 5-celled. Styles none. Stigmata sessile on the tips of the lobes
of the ovarium. Fruit generally a membranous 1- or 2-celled capsule witli 2 bractea? ; rarely
a 4-celled 4-valved capsule ; sometimes a 4-celled berry. Seeds numerous, very minute ;
usually with long hexagonal reticulations on the side of a transparent testa. Embryo taper,
in the axis of a fleshy albumen, with the radicle next the hilum. — Herbaceous plants, often
f rowing in patches. Leaves simple, either divided or entire, alternate, without stipulae.
lower-stems simple, often naked.
Affinities. Most nearly allied to Rosacea?, with the herbaceous part of
which they agree in habit, and from which they differ in their polyspermous
partially concrete carpella, albuminous seeds, and want of stipule. From
Cunoniaceae they are divided rather by their habit, and by the want of stipulae
than by any thing very positive in their fructification ; the principal charateris-
tic feature of which consists in the more perfect concretion of the carpella.
Baueraceae are known by their habit, indefinite stamens, and peculiar dehiscence
of the anthers. To Caryophylleae their habit allies them ; but they differ in the
insertion of I heir stamens, their placentation, the situation of their embryo, and
otherwise. Portulaceae, which may be compared with them, particularly on ac-
count of the situation of their stamens, want of stipules, and albuminous seeds,
differ essentially in the structure of the embryo, in the want of symmetry in
the parts of the flower, and in placentation. Grossulaceae, however different
they are in habit, agree very much in the general structure of flowers ; they
differ in the ovarium being completely concrete and inferior, with two parietal
placentae, in the seeds being attached to long umbilical cords, in the albumen
being corneous, and the embryo extremely minute. Chrysosplenium and
Adoxa are both remarkable for want of petals ; and Parnassia, which I think,
upon the whole, is a genuine genus of this order, exhibits the singular anomaly
of placentae being opposite the lobes of the stigma, a unilocular ovarium, the
shell of which consists of two distinct plates connected by an intervening loose
substance, and a peculiar development of an hypogynous disk, which assumes
the form of 5 fringed scales, alternate with the stamens, and of a highly curious
structure. Adoxa, which has a berry of several cells, and which is always
referred here, appears to me far more anomalous than Parnassia. Drummon-
dia has the stamens equal in number to the petals and opposite them, thus indi-
cating some analogy with the monopetalous Primulaceee.
Geography. Little elegant herbaceous plants, usually with white flowers,
cesspitose leaves, and glandular stems ; some of the species have yellow flowers,
others have red, but none blue. They are natives of mountainous tractsin Europe
and the northern parts of the world, frequently forming the chief beauty of that
rich turf which is found near the snow in high Alpine stations. Some grow on
rocks and old walls, and in hedge-rows, or near rivulets, or in groves.
49
Properties. According to Decandolle, the whole order is more or less
astringent. The root of Heuchera americana is a powerful astringent, whence
it is called in North America Alum root. Barton, 2. 162. Otherwise they pos-
sess no known properties ; for the old idea of their being lithontriptic appears to
have been derived from their name rather than their virtues.
Examples. Saxifraga, Robertsonia, Adoxa, Parnassia.
XXXIX. CUNONIACE.E.
Cunoniace^:, R. Br. in Minders 548. (1814). [Saxifragace^e § Cunoniacece Dec. Prod. 4.
7. (1S30.)]
Diagnosis. Poljpetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
separate carpella, a more or less inferior ovarium, shrubby stem, and interpe-
tiolar stipule.
Anomalies. Petals sometimes wanting.
Essential Character. Calyx 4 or 5 cleft, half superior or nearly inferior. Petals 4 or 5,
occasionally wanting-. Stamens perigynous, definite 8-10. Ovarium 2-celled ; the cells hav-
ing- 2 or many seeds ; styles 1 or 2. Fruit 2-celled, capsular, or indehiscent. Embryo in the
axis of fleshy albumen. Trees or shrubs. Leaves opposite, compound or simple, usually with
interpetiolar stipules.
Affinities. More readily distinguished from Saxifragese by their widely
different habit than by any very important characters in the fructification.
Brown in Flinders, 548. The shrubby habit and remarkable interpetiolar sti-
pules are their principal character. Baueraceae are known by their indefinite
stamens, porous anthers, and want of stipulae.
Geography. Natives of the Cape, South America, and the East Indies.
Properties. A Weinmannia is used in Peru for tanning leather, and its
astringent bark is employed to adulterate the Peruvian bark. The Indian
Weinmannias appear to possess similar astringent qualities. Dec.
Examples. Cunonia, Weinmannia.
XL. BAUERACEAE.
A section of Cunoniacese R. Brown in Flinders, 584. (1814). [Saxifragaceje. s Baueracese
Dec. Prodr. 4. 13. (1830.)J
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with indefinite perigynous stamens,
ovaria adhering more or less to the calyx and each other, anthers bursting by
two pores, indefinite seeds, and no stipuke.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Sepals 8, foliaceous, inferior. Petalsthe same number, alternate
with them, arising' from the base of the calyx. Stamens indefinite, obscurely perigynous •
anthers oblong, bursting- by two pores at the apex. Carpella 2, a little inferior, coherent each
1-cclled, with numerous ovula attached to a common central axis ; style one, filiform, to' each
ovarium. Fruit capsular, opening at the apex. Seeds indefinite, attached to a central pla-
centa; embryo in the axis of fleshy albumen, with a long taper radicle, pointing to the hilum.
— Shrubs. Leaves toothed, ternate, opposite, without stipula?. Flowers solitary, axillary.
Affinities. I distinguish this small order both from Saxifrageee and Cu-
noniaceee by its indefinite stamens, anthers dehiscing by pores, and by its pecu-
liar habit. It has always been considered an anomaly, with whichsoever
of those two orders it has been combined, and is now convenientlv separated
17
so
fiom them. The origin of the petals and stamens appears at first sight to be
hypogynous. But if a flower be carefully cut through vertically, it will be
found that the ovarium coheres slightly with the calyx, and that the petals
and stamens take their origin from above the point of cohesion. They are
consequently perigynous, and not hypogynous.
Geography. Native of New Holland.
Properties. None that are known, except beauty.
Example. Bauera only.
XLI. BRUNIACE^E.
Bbuniaceje, R. Brown in Abel's China (1818); Dec. Prodr. 2. 43. (1825); Ad. Brongniart in
Ann. des Sc. Nat. (1826).
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous stamens equal in
number to the petals, concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium of from 1 to 3 cells,
containing definite pendulous ovules, imbricated sepals, and embryo in the axis
of albumen.
Anomalies. Berzelia has a single carpellum .Raspailia has the ovarium
superior.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, 5-clcft, imbricated, occasionally nearly inferior.
Petals alternate with the segments of the calyx, arising from its throat, imbricated. Stamens
alternate with the petals, arising: from the same point, or from a disk surrounding the ova-
rium ; anthers turned outwards, 2-celled, bursting longitudinally. Ovarium half inferior,
with from 1 to 3 cells, in each of which there is from 1 to 2 suspended collateral ovula; style
6imple or bifid ; stigma simple. Fruit dioecious or indchiscent, 2- or 1-ccllcd, crowned by the
persistent calyx. Seeds solitary or in pairs, suspended, sometimes with a short arillus ; albu-
men fleshy ; embryo minute at the base of the seed, with a conical superior radicle, and 6hort
fleshy cotyledons. — Branched, heath-like shrubs. Leaves small, imbricated, rigid, entire, with
a callous point. Floicers small, capitate, or panicled, or even terminal, and solitary ; either
naked, or with large involucrating bractese.
Affinities. Nearly allied to Hamamelidere, which are known by their
habit, stipules, and deciduous valves of the anthers, and also by their valvate
sepals and petals. Brongniart indicates an affinity with Myrtaceae through
Imbricaria, which is very nearly constructed as true Bruniacese, but has the
stamens opposite the petals, and dotted leaves. The genus Raspailia is re-
markable for having the stamens arising from the top of a superior ovarium !
and Thamnea is perhaps a solitary instance of a 1-celled ovarium with the
ovules adhering to a central columnar axis. This order appears to me to ap-
proach Penreacere in several points.
Geography. All found at the Cape of Good Hope, with the exception of
a single species inhabiting Madagascar.
Propertifs. Unknown.
Examples. Brunia, Linconia, Raspailia.
XLII. HAMAMELIDE^E. The Witch-Hazel Tribe.
Hamamelideje, R. Br. in Abel's Voyage to Chma, (1818) ; A. Richard Nouv. Elem. 532
• (1828.) [Dec. Prod. 4. 267. (1830.) ]
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous stamens twice the
number of the petals, concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium of 2 cells with
solitary pendulous ovules, alternate leaves, deciduous stipulae, valvate calyx,
linear valvate-involute petals, and deciduous valves to the anthers.
Anomalies. Fothergilla is apetalous.
51
teeeEWTiAL Chabacteh.— Calyx superior, in 4 piecee. Petals 4, linear, with a valvular
astivation. StmnensS, of which 4 are alternate with the petals; their anthers turned inwards.
2-celled each cell opening by a valve which is finally deciduous, and 4 are sterile, and placed
at the 'base of the petals. Ovarium 2-celled, inferior; ovules solitary, pendulous or sus-
pended; styles 2. Fruit half inferior, capsular, usually opening with two septiferous valves.
Seeds pendulous ; embryo in the midst of fleshy albumen ; radicle superior. — Skrubs. Leaves
alternate, deciduous, toothed, with veins running hum the midrib straight to the margin.
Stipulce deciduous. Mowers small, axillary.
Affinities. Distinguished from Saxifrages by the deciduous valves of the
anthers, definite seeds, and shrubby stem bearing alternate leaves and decidu-
ous stipule. In the latter respect related to Cupuliferse, from which the petals
and calyx divide them. According to Mr. Brown, their affinity is on the one
hand with Bruniaces, from which they are distinguished by the insertion and
dehiscence of the anthers, the monospermous cells of the ovarium, dehiscence
of the capsule, the quadiifid calyx and habit ; and on the other with Cornus,
Marlea, and the neighbouring genera ; in some respects also with Araliacese,
but differing in their capsular fruit, the structure of the anthers, and other
marks. See Abel's Voyage, Appendix.
Geography. Natives of North America and Japan, or the north of China.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Hamamelis, Fothergilla.
XLIII. PHILADELPHEiE. The Syringa Tribe.
Phii.adelphe^, Don in Jameson's Journal, 133. {April 1826) ; Dec. Prodr. 3. 205. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with indefinite perigynous stamens,
•concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium of several cells, round a^'hers, indefinite
ovula, and albuminous seeds.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Calyx superior, with a persistent limb, having from 4 to 10 divi-
sions. Petals alternate with the segments of the calyx, and equal to them in number, with a
convolute- imbricate aestivation. Stamens indefinite, arising in 1 or 2 rows from the orifice of
the calyx. Styles cither distinct, or consolidated into one; stigmas several. Capsule half
inferior, with from 4 to 10 cells, many-seeded. Seeds scobilorm, subulate, smooth, heaped in
the angles of the cells upon an angular placenta; arillus? 1< ose, membranous. Albumen
fleshy ; embryo inverted, about as long' as the albumen ; cotyledons oval, obtuse, flatfish ; radi-
cle longer than the cotyledons, superior, straight, obtuse.— Shrubs. Leaves deciduous, oppo-
site, toothed, without dots or stipulaj. Peduncles axillary or terminal, in trichotomous-cymes.
Flowers always white.
Affinities. The genera of this order were formerly referred to Myrtaces ;
and I think there is a dissertation by the late President of the Linnean Society,
in which he endeavoured to show the difficulty of distinguishing Leptosper-
mum even generically from Philadelphus, — so little did his school at that time
know of the method of pursuing botanical inquiries. The affinity of the order
has, however, been very properly shown by Mr. Don to be not so much with
Myrtaceae as with Saxifrages, to which latter Philadelpheee do in fact closely
approach, differing widely in habit, but in fructification distinguished chiefly
by the numerous cells of the fruit and the indefinite stamens. Decandolle
points out an approach to Hydrangea ; and if that genus does not actually
belong to this order, it is at least probable that it is a fink connecting it with
Viburnum, agreeing almost equally with Philadelpheee and Viburneae in habit
and fructification. Deutzia of Thunberg, which is not included in the order by
Decandolle, certainly belongs to it ; as I first learned from Mr. Brown's notes
in Dr. Wallich's Herbarium, and as I since find stated by Mr. Don.
52
Geography. Deciduous shrubs, inhabiting thickets in Europe, North
America, the North of India, and Japan.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Philadelphus, Deutzia.
XLIV. ESCALLONIE^.
Escallonie-e, R. Broun in Franklin's Voyage, 766. (1824.) [Saxifragaceje. § Escallonica?.
Dec. Prod. 4. 2. (1830.)]
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium of several cells with indefinite ovula, 5
sepals, and petals cohering in a tube.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, 5-toothed. Corolla consisting of 5 petals, alternate
with the segments of the calyx, from within which they arise, forming- by their cohesion a tube,
but finally separating- from eacli other ; aestivation imbricated. Stamens arising from the ca-
lyx, alternate with the petals; anthers bursting longitudinally. Disk conical, epigynous,
plaited, surrounding the base of the style. Ovarium inferior, 2-celled, with two large poly-
spermous placentas in the axis; style simple ; stigma 2-lobed, Fruit capsular, 2-celled, sur-
mounted by the persistent style and calyx, splitting by the separation of the cells at their base.
Seeds very numerous and minute; with a transparent membranous inteeument ; embryo mi-
nute, in the apex of oily albumen, its radicle at the opposite extremity of the hilum.— Shrubs
with alternate, toothed, resinously glandular, exstipulate leaves, and axillary conspicuous
Affinities. Distinguished from Grossulaceae by the cohering petals, and
by the radicle of the embryo being at the extremity most remote from the hilum ;
the albumen t^also oily, not horny, and the placentae are not parietal. From
Philadelpheaa they are known by their glandular leaves and minute embryo ;
from Vaccmieae by the final separation of the petals, and by the anthers.
Geography. All found in the temperate parts of South America, particu-
larly Chile.
Properties. Unknown. Handsome shrubs, with evergreen leaves.
Example. Escallonia.
XLV. GROSSULACE.E. The Currant Tribe. .
Grossularre.e, Dec. Fl. Fr. 4. 406. (1804); Kunth Nov. G. et Sp.6. 58. (1823) s Dec. Prodr.
3.477. (1828).— Ribesi*, Ach. Rich. Bot. Med. 2. 487. (1823).— Grossulacejb, Mirb. Elem.
2. 897. (1815) ; Lindl. Synops. 106. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with 5 perigynous fertile stamens,
concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium with one cell and parietal placentae, bac-
cate fruit, and distinct petals and sepals.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, 4- or 5-parted, regular , coloured. Petals 5, minute,
inserted in the throat of the calyx. Stamens 5, inserted alternately with the petals, very short.
Ovarium 1 -celled, with 2 opposite parietal placentas ; ovules numerous ; style 2-3-4-cleft. Berry
crowned with the remains of the flower, 1-celled; the cell filled with pulp. Seeds numerous,
53
suspended among the pulp by long filiform funiculi ; testa externally gelatinous, adhering
firmly to the albumen, which is horny ; embryo minute, excentrical, with the radicle next the
hilum. — Shrubs, either unarmed or spiny. Leaves alternate, lobed, with a plaited vernation.
Flowers, in axillary racemes, with bractea: at their ba3e, very rarely diclinous.
Affinities. Formerly confounded with Cacteae, to which, notwithstanding
the dissimilarity of their appearance, they are indeed most closely related ; the
principal differences between the two orders are, that in Cacteae the stamens
are indefinite, the seeds without albumen, and the calyx and corolla undistin-
guishable ; while in Grossulacere the stamens are definite, the seeds albumi-
nous, and the calyx and corolla distinct. There are spines in both orders, and
some of the Cactere have distinct leaves. From Onagrarire, Grossulaceae are
distinguished by the minute embryo, parietal placenta?, and the quinary divi-
sions of the floral envelopes ; from Homalineae by the want of glands at the
base of the sepals and petals, which are also undistinguishable from one another
in the latter ; and from Loasere by habit, number of stamens and petals, and
various other characters.
Geography. Natives of the mountains, hills, woods, and thickets, of the
temperate parts of Europe, Asia, and America, but unknown in Africa, the tro-
pics of either hemisphere, or the South Sea Islands. In North America they
are particularly abundant, and on the mountains of Northern India they
contribute to give a European character to that remarkable region.
Properties. The properties of the Gooseberry and Currant are those of
the generality of the order, except that in other species a mawkish or extremely
acid taste is substituted for the refreshing and agreeable flavour of the former.
Some are emetic. The black Currant, which is tonic and stimulant, has fra-
grant glands upon its leaves and flowers ; these reservoirs are also found upon
some other species. Malic acid exists in Currants- and Gooseberries. Tur-
ner, 634.
Example. Ribes.
XLVI. CACTE^. The Indian-Fig Tribe.
Cacti, Juss. Gen. 310. (1789) in part.— Cactoioeje, Vent. Tail. 3. 289. (1799).— Opuntiace.e,
Juss. Die. Sc. 35. 144. (1825) in part.; Kunth Nov. G.et Sp. 6. 65. (1823).— NopalejB,
Dec. TheorieElem. 216. (1819).— Cacteje, Dec. Prodr. 3.457. (1828) ; Mem. Mws.(1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous succulent dicotyledons, with indefinite perigy-
nous fertile stamens, concrete carpella, an inferior ovarum with one cell and
pareital placenta?, baccate fruit, and imbricate petals and sepals.
Anomalies. The calyx and corolla are distinguishable in Rhipsalis, which
is also said to have its seeds attached to a central placenta.
Essential Character. — Sepals numerous, usually indefinite, and confounded with the
petals, either crowning the ovarium, or covering its whole surface. Petals numerous, usually
indefinite, arising from the orifice ©f the calyx, sometimes irregular. Stamens indefinite,
more or less cohering with the petals and sepals ; filaments Ion"1, filiform ; anthers ovate,
versatile. Ovarium fleshy, inferior, 1- celled, with numerous ovula arranged upon parietal
placenta;, equal in number to the lobes of the stigma ; style filiform ; stigmata numerous,
collected in a cluster. Fruit succulent, 1-cellcd, many-seeded, either smooth or covered with
scales, scars, or tubercles. Seeds parietal, or, having lost their adhesion, nestling in pulp,
ovate or obovate, without albumen ; embryo either straight, curve'!, or spiral, with a short
thick radicle ; cotyledons flat, thick, foliaceous, sometimes almost obsolete (in the leafless
species.) — Succulent shrubs, very variable in form. Stems usually angular, or two-edged,
or foliaceous. Leaves almost always wanting ; when present, fleshy, smooth, and entire or
spine-like. Flowers either showy or minute, usually lasting only one day or night, always
sesaile.
64
Affinities. It has been already remarked, on more than one occasion, in
this work, that the state of anamorphosis, or, in other words, that remarkable
distension or increase of the cellular tissue of vegetables, from which the name
of succulent is derived, is no indication of natural affinity, but rather to be con-
sidered a modification of structure which may be common to all tribes Hence
the immediate relationship of Cactese is neither with Euphorbiaceas, nor Lau-
rineae, nor Asclepiadeae, nor Ficoideae, nor Portulacese, nor Asphodeleee, all of
which contain a greater or less number of succulent genera ; but with Gros-
sulaceffi, in which no tendency whatever to anamorphosis exists. The dis-
tinction between the two orders is mentioned under Grossulaceae. Through
Rhipsalis, which is said to have a central placenta> Cactese are connected with
Portulaceaa, to which also the curved embryo of the section of Opuntiaceae
probably indicates an approach. Decandolle further traces an affinity between
these plants and Ficoidese. For an elaborate account of this order, see his
memoir above quoted.
Geography. America is the station of the order; no species appearing to
be natives of any other part of the world ; in that country they are abundant
in the tropics, extending a short distance beyond them, both to the north and
the south. Decandolle states that 32° or 33° north latitude is the northern
limit of the order ; but it is certain that a species is either wild or naturalized
in Long Island, in latitude 42° north, and that there is another somewhere
about 49°, in the Rocky mountains. The species which are said to be wild
or naturalized in Europe, Mauritius, and Arabia, have been introduced from
America, and having found themselves in situations suitable to their habits,
have taken possession of the soil like actual natives : in Europe this does not
extend beyond the town of Final, in 44° north latitude. There is no reason
for supposing that the modern Opuntia is described in Theophrastus, as Spren-
gel asserts ; the description of the former writer applying, as far as it applies
to any thing now known, rather to some tree like Ficus religiosa. Hot, dry,
exposed places are the favourite stations of Cacteee, for which they are pecu-
liarly adapted, in consequence of the small quantity of evaporating pores
which they possess, as compared with other plants ; a circumstance which, as
Decandolle has satisfactorily shown, will account for the excessively succu-
lent state of their tissue.
Properties. The fruit is very similar in its properties to that of Grossu-
laceee, some being refreshing and agreeable to the taste, others mucilaginous
and insipid ; they are all, however, destitute of the excessive acidit}^ of some
gooseberries and currants. The fruit of Cactus opuntia has the property of
staining red the urine of those who eat it. The juice of Cactus mammillaris
is remarkable for being slightly milky, and at the same time sweet and insipid.
Decandolle has the two following sections, the characters of the last of
which are not, however, very certainly ascertained to be correct :
1. Opuntiace^.
Ovula and seeds parietal.
Examples. Cactus, Opuntia, Mammillaria.
II. Rhipsalide^:.
Ovula and seeds attached to a central axis.
Example. Rhipsalis.
55
XLVII. ONAGRARLE. The Evening Primrose Tribe.
Onagr-b, Juss. Gen. 317. (1789.)— Epii.obiace.s2, Vent. Tabl. 3. 307. (1799.)— Onagrarije,
Juss. Ann. Mus. 3. 315. (1S04) in part. ; Dec. Prodr. 3. 35. (1828); Lindl, Synops.
107. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium of several cells, with indefinite ovula, 4
divisions of the calyx, and roundish anthers erect in aestivation.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Calyx superior, tubular, with the limb usually 4-lobed ; the lobes
cohering in various degrees, with a valvate aestivation. Petals generally equal in number to
the lobes of the calyx, into the throat of which they are inserted, regular, with a twisted
aestivation. Stamens definite, inserted into the calyx ; Jila men t.s distinct ; pollen triangular,
usually cohering by threads. Ovarium of several cells, generally crowned by a disk;
style filiform; stigma either capitate or 4-lobed. Fruit baccate or capsular, many-seeded,
with from 2 to 4 cells. Seeds numerous, without albumen ; embryo straight ; radicle long
and taper ; cotyledons very short. Herbaceous plants or shrubs. Leaves alternate or oppo-
site, simple, entire, or toothed. Flowers red, purple, white, blue, or yellow, axillary, or
terminal.
Affinities. Onagrarise differ from all the orders allied to them in the
length of the radicle ; they are particularly distinguished from Salicariae by
their inferior calyx ; from Haloragese by their filiform style, and by their exal-
buminous seeds not being pendulous ; from Myrtaceae by the want of pellucid
dots, and by the definite number of their stamens. Dec. For the distinc-
tions between them and Hydrocaryes, Callitrichinea3, and Circreaceae, see
those orders.
The following sections of Decandolle appear worthy of being adopted :
1. MoNTINIEiE.
Fruit capsular. Seeds with a membranous wing, imbricated, erect. — Trees
or shrubs, with alternate leaves.
2. FUCHSIE.E.
Fruit baccate. Tube of the calyx elongated beyond the ovarium. — Chiefly
American trees or shrubs, with opposite leaves.
3. Onagre.e.
Fruit capsular, with many- seeded cells, and seeds without wings. Tube of
the calyx extended beyond the ovarium. Stamens twice as many as the
petals. — Herbaceous plants, sometimes slightly shrubby at the base.
4. JussijE.e.
Fruit capsular, with many-seeded cells. Calyx persistent, but not tubular.
— Herbaceous plants, rarely under-shrubs.
Geography. Chiefly natives of the temperate parts of the world, and
especially of America : a good many are found in India, and a large number
in Europe. In Africa they are scarcer, being mostly confined to the Cape,
and to a few Jussireas inhabiting other parts of that continent.
Properties. Few, or unknown. CEnothera biennis is cultivated for the
sake of its eatable roots ; and the leaves of Jussisea peruviana form an emol-
lient poultice. Dec.
Examples CEnothera, Epilobium, Jussiaea, Fuchsia.
56
XLVIII. HALORAGE.E.
Halorage*, 7?. Brown in Flinders, 17. (1814) ; Dec. Prodr. 3. 65. (1828) ; LAndl. Synops. 110.
(1829).— Hygrobie-e, Rich. Anal. Fr. (1808).— Hippurideje, Link Enum. 1. 5. (1821);
handb. 1. 288. (1829).— Cercodianje, Juss. Diet. Sc. Nat. (1817.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium with pendulous definite ovula, a depau-
perated calyx, and embryo in the midst of fleshy albumen.
Anomalies. Petals often wanting. Hippuris has the habit of an Equi-
setum.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, with a minute limb. Petals minute, inserted into
the summit of the calyx, or wanting. Stamens inserted in the same place, equal in number
to the petals, or occasionally fewer. Ovarium adhering inseparably to the calyx, with 1 or
more cells ; style none ; stigmata equal in number to the cells, papulose, or pencil-formed ; ovula
pendulous. Fruit dry, indehiscent, membranous, or bony, with 1 or more cells. Seeds soli-
tary, pendulous ; albumen fleshy ; embryo straight, in the axis ; radicle superior, long and
taper ; cotyledons minute. — Herbaceous plants or under-shrubs, often growing in wet places.
Leaves either alternate, opposite, or whorled. Flowers axillary, sessile, occasionally monoe-
cious or dioecious.
Affinities. Placed by Link among Monocotyledons, but inseparable from
Dicotyledons, and especially related to OnagrariEe, from which the minute
calyx and albuminous solitary pendulous seeds chiefly distinguish them. Very
closely akin also to Circaeaceee and Hydrocaryes, both which see. The affinity
of Callitrichinese is probably not very great, although M. Decandolle has con-
sidered it a mere section of the order.
Geography. Damp places, ditches, and slow streams, in Europe, North
America, Southern Africa, Japan, China, New Holland, and the South Sea
Islands, are the favourite resort of this order.
Properties. Of no importance. Many are troublesome weeds.
Examples. Haloragis, Hippuris, Myriophyllum.
XLIX. CIRC^EACEiE. The Enchanter's Nightshade Tribe.
Circ^eaceje, Lindl. Synops. p. 109. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium of 2 cells, with definite erect ovula.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Calyx superior, deciduous, tubular, with a two-parted limb. Pe-
tals 2, alternate with the lobes of the calyx. Stamens 2, alternate with the petals inserted into
the calyx. Disk large, cup-shaped, filling up the whole of the tube of the calyx, and projecting
beyond it. Ovarium 2-celled, with an erect ovulum in each cell ; style simple, arising out of
the disk; stigma emarginate. Fruit 2-celled, 2-valved, 2-seeded. Seeds solitary, erect; acu-
men none; embryo erect; radicle short, inferior.— Herbaceous plants. Leaves opposite, toothed,
stalked. Flowers in terminal and lateral racemes, covered with uncinate hairs.
Affinities. This order differs from Onagrariee in its large fleshy disk,
which fills up the tube of the calyx, in its solitary erect ovula, and in the binary
division of the flower. It is connected with that order through Lopezia, with
which it cannot, however, be absolutely associated ; and bears about the same
relation to Onagrarias as is borne by Haloragea?.
57
Geography Natives of the northern parts of the world, inhabiting groves
and thickets.
Properties Unknown.
Example. Circoea.
L HYDROCARYES. The Water Chestnut Tribe.
Hvdrocabyes, Link Enum. Ilort. Bcr. 1. 141. (1S21.)— Onaguarije, § Hydrocaryes, Dec.
Prodr. 3. 63. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium with definite pendulous ovules, no albu-
men, and very unequal cotyledons.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Caty.r superior, 4-parted. Petals 4, arising from the throat of
the calyx. Stamens 4, alternate with the last. Ovarium 2-celled ; ovules solitary, pendulous;
style filiform, thickened at the base ; stigma capitate. Fruit hard, indehiscent, 1-celled,
1-seeded, crowned by the indurated segments of the calyx. Seed solitary, large, pendulous;
albumen none : cotyledons 2, very unequal.— Floating plants. Lower leaves opposite, upper
alternate; those under water cut into capillary segments; petioles tumid in the middle.
Flowers small, axillary.
Affinities. Closely akin to Onagrarise, from which they are distinguished
by their solitary pendulous ovules ; more closely allied to Haloragese, from
which they are divided only by their very large seeds with unequal cotyledons,
developed calyx, and want of albumen ; agreeing with them, especially with
Myriophyllum, in habit.
Geography. Found in the South of Europe, the East Indies, and China,
Properties. The great seeds are sweet and eatable.
Example. Trapa.
LI. LOASEiE.
Loaseje, Juss. Ann. Mus. 5. 18. (1S04); Diet. Sc. Nat. 27. 93. (1823);
Sp. 6. 115. (1823) ; Dec. Prodr. 3. 339. (1828.)
Kunlh in Nov. Gen. et
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous stamens, part of
which are sterile, concrete carpella, an inferior 1-celled ovarium with parietal
placentae, and dissimilar petals and sepals.
Anomalies. Ovarium sometimes almost superior. Seeds definite in Ment-
zclia and Klaprothia.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior or inferior, 5-partcd, persistent, spreading in aesti-
vation. Petals 5 or 10, arising from within the recesses of the calyx, cucullate, with an in-
tlcx valvate aestivation ; the interior often, when present, much smaller than the outer, and
truncate at the apex. Stamens indefinite, in several rows, arising from within the petals, either
distinct or adhering in bundles before each petal, within the cavity of which they lie in {esti-
vation ; filaments subulate, unequal, the outer ones frequently destitute of anthers. Ovarium
inferior, or nearly superior, 1-ccilcd, with several parietal placenta;, or with one free central
lobed one ; style single; stigma 1, or several. Fruit capsular or succulent, inferior or supe-
rior, 1-cclled, with parietal placenta; originating at the sutures. Seeds numerous, without aril-
lus; embryo lying in the axis of fleshy albumen, with the radicle pointing to the hilum, and
flat small cotyledons. — Herbaceous plants, hispid, with pungent hairs secreting an acrid juice.
Leaves opposite or alternate, without stipula, usually more or less divided. Peduncles axilla-
ry, 1 -flowered.
18
58
Affinities. Distinguished from Onagrariae by their unilocular ovaria and
indefinite Btamens, part of which are sterile ; and perhaps by the latter cha-
racter, and the additional 5 petals, connected with Passiflorese, with which they
also sometimes accord in habit. Their rigid stinging hairs, cbmbing habit, and
lobed leaves, resemble those of some Urticea?, with which, however, they have
nothing more of importance in common. On the same account they may be
compared with Cucurbitaceae, with which they further agree in their inferior
unilocular fruit, with parietal placentae, and in the very generally yellow colour of
their flowers. This, indeed, is the order with which, upon the whole, Loaseae
must be considered to have the closest affinity. Eschscholtzia, referred here
by Decandolle, belongs to Papaveraceae.
Geography. All American, and chiefly from the more temperate regions,
or the tropics, of either hemisphere.
Properties. Excepting the stinging properly which resides in the hairs
of some species, nothing is known of the qualities of these plants.
Examples. Loasa, Mentzelia.
LII. SALICARLE. The Loosestrife Tribe.
Salicaki*!, Juss. Gen. 330. (1739); Lindl. Synops. 71. (1829.)— Calycanthemje, Vent. Tab.3.
298. (1799).— Salicarin^, LinkEnum. 1. 142. (1821).— Lythbari^e^uss. Diet. Sc. i\at.
27. 453. (1823) ; Dec. Prodr. 3. 75. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous stamens, concrete
carpella, a superior ovarium with several cells, and a tubular short-toothed ca-
lyx, which covers the capsule.
Anomalies. Occasionally apetalous.
Essential Character. — Calyx monosepalous, the lobes with a valvate or separate aestiva-
tion, their sinuses sometimes lengthened into other lobes. Petals inserted between the lobes
of the calyx, very deciduous, sometimes wanting'. Stamens inserted into the tube of the
culyx below the petals, to which they are sometimes equal in number ; sometimes they are
twice, or even thrice, and four times as numerous; they arc seldom four; anthers adnate,
2-cellcd, opening' longitudinally. Ovarium superior,2- or 4-celled ; style filiform ; stigma usual-
ly capitate. Capsule membranous, covered by the calyx, usually 1-celled, dehiscing either
longitudinally or in an irregular manner. Seeds numerous, small, without albumen, adher-
ing to a centra] placenta; embryo straight; radicle turned towards the hilum : cotyledons
flat and leafy. — Herbs, rarely shrubs. Brandies frequently 4-cornercd. Leaves opposite, seldom
alternate, em ire. without cither stipula; or glands. Flowers axillary, or in terminal spikes or
racemes, in consequence of the depauperation of the upper leaves.
Affinities. Very near Onagrarire, from which their superior ovarium and
many-ribbed calyx distinguish them ; also Melastomacea;, from which their
superior ovarium, the veining of their leaves, and the aestivation of the sta-
mens divide them. With Labiates they have often a striking resemblance in
habit, but this goes no further.
M. Decandolle admits the two following tribes :
1. § Salicariae, Mem. Soc. II JY. Gcncv. 3. p. 2. 71.: Prodr. 3. 75.
(1S28.)
Lobes of the calyx more or less distant in aestivation, or somewhat val-
vate. Petals several, alternate with the lobes of the calyx, and arising from
between them at the orifice of the tube; sometimes wanting. Stamens aris-
ing from lower down the tube. Seeds apterous. — Shrubs or herbaceous plants.
Dec.
5y
2 § Lagershomicftv The. 1. c. p. 70.; Prodi'. 3. 92. (1828.)
Lobes of the calyx exactly valvate in aestivation. Petals several, alternate
with the lobes of the calyx, and arising from between them in the apex of the
tube. Stamens two or three times as numerous, and arising from lower down
the tube. Seeds with a membranous wing. — Shrubs or trees. Dec.
Geography. The Lagerstromias are all Indian oi South American. The
true Salicaria! are European, North American, and natives of the tropics of
both hemispheres. Lylhrum Salicaria, a common European plant, is singular
for being found in New Holland, and for also being the only species of that or-
der, yet described from that country.
Properties. Astringency is a property of the Lythrum Salicaria, which
is reputed to have been found useful in inveterate diarrhosas ; another species
of the same genus is accounted in Mexico astringent and vulnerary. The
flowers of Lythrum 1 Hunteri are employed in India, mixed with Morinda,
for dyeing, under the name of Dhawry. Hunter Jls. Res. 4. 42. Heimia
salicifolia, a plant remarkable, in an order with red or purple flowers, for its
yellow corolla, is said to excite violently perspiration and the urinary secretion.
The Mexicans consider it a potent remedy for venereal diseases, and call it
Hanchinol. Dec. Lawsonia inermis is the plant from which the Henne
of Egypt is obtained. Women in that country stain their fingers and feet
with it. It is also used for dyeing skins and maroquins reddish yellow, and for
many other purposes. It contains no tannin. Ed. P. J. 12. 416. The leaves
of Ammannia vesicatoria have a strong muriatic smell; they are extremely
acrid, and are used by the native practitioners of India to raise blisters, in rheu-
matism, &c. : bruised and applied to the part intended to be blistered, they per-
form their office in half an hour, and most effectually. Ainslie, 2. 93,
Examples. Lythrum, Lagerstromia, Ammannia.
LIII. RHIZOPHOREiE. The Mangrove Tribe.
ItinzoriionE*:, /.'. Brown Gen. Rem. in Minders, p. 17. (1814) ; in Congo, p. 18. (1818) ; Dec.
Prodr. 3. 31. (1828.)— Paletuviers, Savigny in Lam. Diet. 4. 696. (1796.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous stamens twice the
number of the petals, concrete carpclla, an inferior ovarium of 2 cells wiih
pendulous ovules, and opposite leaves with interpetiolar stipulse.
Anomalies. The leaves of Baraldeia have pellucid dots. In Cassipourea
the ovarium is superior, and the seeds have albumen.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, very rarely nearly inferior, with the lobes vary-
ing1 in number from 4 to 13, occasionally all cohering1 in a calyptia. Petals arising from the
calyx, alternate with the lobes, and equal to them in number. Stamens arising from the
same point as the petals, and twice or thrice their number ; filaments distinct ; anthers erect,
innate. Ovarium 2-celled, each cell containing 2 or more pendulous ovules. Fruit indehis-
cent, crowned by the calyx, 1-celled, 1-seeded. Seed pendulous, without albumen; radicle long;
cotyledons 2, flat. — Coast trees or shrubs. Leaves simple, opposite, entire or toothed with sti-
puke between the petioles. Peduncles axillary.
Affinities. From a consideration of the structure of Carallia and Legnotis
Mr. Brown has been led to conclude that we have a series of structures con-
necting Rhizophora, on the one hand, with certain genera of Salicaria?, parti-
cularly with Anthcrylium, though that genus wants the intermediate stipules ;
and, on the other, with Cunoniaceee, especially with the simple-leaved species,
60
of Ceratopetalum. Congo, 437, This order agrees with Cunoniacese in its
opposite leaves and intermediate stipulse, and with great part of them in the
aestivation of its calyx, and in the structure and cohesion of ovarium. JR. Brown,
Flinders, 549. Decandolle points out its relation to Vochjaceas and Combre-
tacese, and even to Memecyleae through the genus Olisbea. The genera were
comprehended in Lorantheae by Jussieu. Cassipourea, mentioned as an anoma-
lous plant, is probably the type of a distinct order.
Geography. Natives of the shores of the tropics, where they root in the
mud, and form a dense thicket down to the verge of the ocean.
Properties. The bark is usually astringent ; that of Rhizophora gymno
rhiza is used in India for dyeing black. Dec.
Examples. Rhizophora, Bruguiera.
LIV. MELASTOMACEiE.
Melastomb, Juss. Gen. p. 328. (1789); Diet. Sc. Nat. 29. 507. (1823).— Melastomaceje, Don in
Mem. Wcrn. Sue. 4. 281. (1823) ; Dec. Prodr. 3. 99. (1828) ; Memoirc (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium of several cells, long inflexed anthers, in-
definite seeds, and opposite ribbed leaves without dots.
Anomalies. Traces of pellucid dots in Diplogenea. Ovarium more or less
superior in several. Leaves sometimes not ribbed in Sonerila.
Essential Char acteh. — Calyx divided into 4, 5, or 6" lobes, cohering' more or less with the
angles of the ovarium, but distinct from the surface between the angles, and thus forming a
number of cavities, within which the young anthers are curved downwards. Petals equal to
the segments of the calyx, arising from their base, or from the edge of a disk that lines the
calyx ; twisted in aestivation. Stamens usually twice as many as the petals, sometimes equal
to them in number ; in the former case, those which arc opposite the segments of the ealyx are
alone fertile ; filaments curved downwards in aestivation ; anthers long, 2-celled, usually burst-
ing by two pores at the apex, which is rostrate, and elongated in various ways beyond the in-
sertion of the filament ; sometimes bursting longitudinally ; before flowering, contained with-
in the cases between the ovarium and sides of the calyx. Ovarium more or less coherent with
the calyx, witli several cells, and indefinite ovules; style 1 ; stigma simple, either capitate or
minute; a cup often present upon the apex of the ovarium, surrounding the style. Pericar-
pium either dry and distinct from the calyx, or succulent and combined with the calyx, with
several cells ; if dehiscent, bursting through the valves, which therefore bear the septa in the
middle ; placenta: attached to a central column. Seeds innumerable, minute, with a brittle
testa, and no albumen ; usually with appendages of some kind ; embryo straight, or curved,
with equal or unequal cotyledons. — TVecffj shrubs, or herbaceous plants. Leaves opposite, undi-
vided, usually entire, without dots, with several ribs. Mowers terminal, usually thyrsoid.
Affinities. " The family of Melastomaceae," remarks M. Decandolle, in
an excellent memoir upon the subject, " although composed entirely of exotic
plants, and established at a period when but few species were known, is so well
characterized, that no one has ever thought of putting any part of it in any
other group, or even of introducing into it genera that do not rightly belong to
it." These distinct characters arc, the opposite leaves, with several great veins
or ribs running from the base to the apex, something as in Monocotyledonons
plants, and the long beaked anthers, to which combined there is nothing to be
compared in other families. Permanent, however, as this character undoubt-
edly is, yet the cause of no uncertainty having been yet found in fixing the
limits of the order, is rather to be attributed to the small number of species that
have been examined, than to the want of connecting links : thus Diplogenea
has traces of the dots of Myrtaceoa, which were not known to exist in Melasto-
macere until that genus was described ; and several genera are now described
CI
with superior ovarium, a structure which was at one time supposed not to exist
in the order ; and, finally, in the remarkable genus Sonerila, the leaves are
sometimes not ribbed.
The greatest affinity of Melastomaceae is on the one hand with Salicariae, on
the other with Myrtaceae ; from the former they differ in the aestivation of their
calyx not being valvate, from the latter in having the petals twisted before ex-
pansion and no dots on the leaves, and from both, and all others to which they
can be compared, in their long anthers bent down parallel to the filaments in
the flower, and lying in niches between the calyx and ovarium ; with the ex-
ception of Memecyleae, in which, however, the union between the calyx and
ovarium is complete, and which have leaves destitute of the lateral ribs that so
strongly point out Melastomaceae. The structure of the seeds of Memecyleae is
also different.
From differences in the" dehiscence of the anthers, Decandolle forms two
sub-orders, viz. :
UWUIUUO, tUl. ■
1. True Melastomas.
Anthers opening by pores at the apex.
Examples.. Melastoma, Rhexia.
2. Chariantheje.
Anthers opening by 2 longitudinal fissures.
Examples. Charianthus, Astronia.
Geography. Found neither in Europe nor Asia in the temperate zone, nor
in Africa north of the desert of Zahara, nor south of Brazil in South America,
nor in extra-tropical Africa to the south. Beyond the tropics, 8 are found in the
United States, 3 in China, and 3 in New Holland. Of the remainder, it ap-
pears that 78 are described from India or the Indian Archipelago, 12 from Africa
and the adjacent islands, and 620 from America. Dec.
Properties. A slight degree of astringency is the prevailing character of
the order, which is, although one of the most extensive known, entirely desti-
tute of any unwholesome species. The succulent fruit of many is eatable, some
of which dye the mouth black, whence the name of Melastoma. Blakea trip-
linervia produces a yellow fruit, which is pleasant and eatable, in the woods of
Guiana. Hamilt. Prodr. 42.
LV. MEMECYLEAE.
Memecyleae, Dec. Prodr. 3. 5. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium with several cells, 1 -ribbed leaves without
dots, a few seeds, an exalbuminous embryo with convolute cotyledons, and long
inflexed anthers.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, 4- or 5-lobed, or 4-5-toothed. Petals 4-5, inserted
into the calyx, and alternate with its lobes. Stamens 8-10 ; filaments distinct, anthers in-
curved, 2-cclled. Style filiform; stigma simple. Berry crowned by the limb of the calyx,
2-4-celled. Seeds few, pendulous, without albumen ; cotyledons foliaceous, convolute ; radicle
straight. — Shrubs. Leaves opposite, simple, entire, without stipuke or dots, almost always
without more than one central rib. Flowers axillary, pedicellate.
Affinities. Very near Myrtaceae and Melastomaceae, and in some respects
almost intermediate between them. They agree with the former in the single
G2
rib of their leaves, and with the latter in the want of dots and in the peculiar
form of the anthers ; their cotjdedons are those of Punica among Myrtaceae.
Geography. All natives of the hottest parts of the East Indies and of the
Mauritanian Islands, with the exception of the Mouririas, which are West In-
dian, if they belong to the order; but this is uncertain.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Memecylon, Mouriri.
LVI. MYRTACEAE. The Myrtle Tribe.
Myrti, Juss. Gen. 323. (1789).— Myrte^e, Juss. Diet. Sc. Nat. 34. 79. (1825).— Myrtoideje,
Vent. Tabl. (1799).— Myrtixeje, Dec. Theoric, Elcm. (1819).— Myrtaceae, R. Broun in
Flinders, p. 14. (1814) ; Dec. Diet. Class, v. 11. (1826) ; Prodr. 3. 207. (1829) ;— Granate^,
Don in Ed. Phil. Journ. p. 134. (1826); Dec. Prodr. 3. 3. (1829) ; Von Martins H. Reg.
Monac. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with indefinite perigynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium with several cells, ana opposite entire
leaves with pellucid dots.
Anomalies. Chamselauciese have a 1-celled fruit, with erect ovula. A
species of Sonneratia is apetalous. The leaves of Barringtonia are alternate
and not dotted.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, 4- or 5-cleft, sometimes falling off like a cap, in
consequence of the cohesion of the apex. Petals equal in number to the segments of the ca-
lyx, with a quincuncial aestivation ; rarely none. Stamens either twice as many as the petals,
or indefinite; filaments either all distinct, or connected in scYeral parcels, curved inwards
before flowering; anthers ovate, 2-cellccl, small, bursting lengthwise. Ovarium inferior;
2- 4- 5- or 6-celled ; styles simple; stigma simple. Fruit cither dry or fleshy, dehiscent or
indehiscent. Seeds usually indefinite, variable in form ; embryo without albumen, straight
or curved, with its cotyledons and radicle distinguishable or conferruminated into a solid
mass. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves opposite, entire, with transparent dots, and with a vein run-
ning parallel with their margin. Inflorescence variable, usually axillary. Flowers red,
white, occasionally yellow, never blue.
Affinities. One of the most natural among the tribes of plants, and the
most easily recognised. Its opposite exstipulate clotted entire leaves with a
marginal vein, are a certain indication of it, with the exception of a few plants,
which probably do not belong to the order, although at present placed in it. It
is closely allied to Rosacea?, Salicaria>, Onagrariae, Combretacea3, and Melasto-
macea?, but cannot well be confounded cither with them or any other tribe. It
offers a curious instance of the facility with which the calyx and corolla can
take upon themselves the same functions and transformations. In Eucalyptus,
as is well known, the sepals are consolidated into a cup-like lid, called the oper-
culum. In Eudesmia, a nearly-related genus, the calyx remains in its normal
state, while the petals are consolidated into an operculum. Punica is usually
referred to this order ; but the descriptions that have been published of it have
been founded upon so imperfect a view of its structure, that I may be permitted
to dwell upon it at some length, especially as I hope to show that it not only
does not differ from the order essentially, but that it does not require to be dis-
tinguished from true Myrlaccre even as a section. A consideration of the real
structure of this plant comes the more properly within the scope of the present
publication, because the genus has been considered the type of a particular
order (Granaterc) by Mr. Don, in which he is supported by the high authority
of Decandolle and Von Martins. The fruit of the Pomegranate is described
by Gartner and Decandolle as being divided into two unequal divisions by a
(53
horizontal diaphragm, the upper half of which consists of from 5 to 9 cells,
and the lower of 3 ; the cells of both being separated by membranous dissepi-
ments ; the placentae of the upper half proceeding from the back to the centre,
and of the lower irregularly from their bottom ; and by Mr. Don as a fleshy
receptacle formed by the tube of the calyx into a unilocular berry, filled with
a spongy placenta, which is hollowed out into a number of irregular cells. In
fact, if a Pomegranate is examined, it will be found to agree more or less per-
fectly with both these descriptions. But it is clear that a fruit as thus de-
scribed is at variance with all the known laws upon which compound fruits
are formed. Nothing, however, is more common than that the primitive con-
struction of fruits is obscured by the additions, or suppressions, or alterations,
which its parts undergo during their progress to maturity. Hence it is always
desirable to obtain a clear idea of the structure of the ovarium of all fruits
which do not obviously agree with the ordinary laws of carpological composi-
tion. Now, a section of the ovarium of the Pomegranate in various directions,
if made about the time of the expansion of the flowers before impregnation takes
place, shows that it is in fact composed of two rows of carpella, of which three or
four surround the axis, and are placed in the bottom of the tube of the calyx,
and a number, varying from five to ten, surround these, and adhere to the upper
part of the tube of the calyx. The placentae of these carpella contract an
irregular kind of adhesion with the back and front of their cells, and thus give
the position ultimately acquired by the seeds that anomalous appearance which
it assumes in the ripe fruit. If this view of the structure of the Pomegranate
be correct, its peculiarity consists in this, that, in an order the carpella of which
occupy but a single row around the axis, it possesses carpella in two rows, the
one placed above the other, in consequence of the contraction of the tube of the
calyx, from which they arise. Now, there are many instances of a similar ano-
maly among genera of the same order, and they exist even among species of
the same genus. Examples of the latter are, Nicotiana multivalvis and No-
lana paradoxa, and of the former Malope among Malvaceae ; polycarpous Ra-
nunculaceae as compared with Nigella, and polycarpous Rosacea? as compared
with Spiraea. In Primus I have seen a monstrous flower producing a number of
carpella around the central one, and also, hi consequence of the situation, upon
the calyx above it ; and, finally, in the Revue Encycloptdique (43. 762.), a per-
manent variety of the Apple is described, which is exactly to Pomaces what
Punica is to Myrtacea?. This plant has regularly 14 styles and 14 cells,
arranged in two horizontal parallel planes, namely, 5 in the middle, and 9 on
the outside, smaller and nearer the top ; a circumstance which is evidently to
be explained by the presence of an outer series of carpella, and not upon the
extravagant hypothesis of M. Tillette de Clermont, who fancies that it is due
to the cohesion of 3 flowers. The anomaly of the structure of the fruit of Pu-
nica being thus explained, nothing remains to distinguish it from Myrtaceae but
its leaves without a marginal vein, its convolute cotyledons, and pulpy seeds.
There are, however, distinct traces of dots in the leaves, and the union of the
vena? arcuatse, which gives the appearance of a marginal vein to Myrtaceae,
t ;ikes place, although less regularly, in Punica; the convolute cotyledons of
Punica are only in Myrtacea? what those of Chamsemeles are in Pomaceae, a
curious but unimportant exception to the general structure; and the solitary
character of the pulpy coat of the seeds will hardly be deemed by itself suffi-
cient to characterize Granateae. The place of Punica in the order will be pro-
bably near Sonneratia. There is no instance of a blue flower in the order.
Geography. Natives of hot countries both within and without the tropics ;
great numbers are found in Suutb America and the East Indies, not many in
Africa, and a considerable proportion <>t the order in New Holland and the
South Sea Islands ; but the genera of those countries are mostly peculiar to
64
them. Myrtus communis, the most northern species of the order, is native of
the south of Europe.
Properties. The pellucid dotting of the leaves and other parts indicates
the presence of a fragrant aromatic or pungent volatile oil, which gives the
principal quality to the products of the order. To this are due the grateful
perfume of the Guava fruit, the powerful aroma of the flower-buds of Caryo-
phyllus aromaticus, called by the English Cloves, and the balsamic odour of
the eastern fruits called the Jamrosade and the Rose Apple. Along with this
is frequently mixed an astringent principle, which sometimes predominates, to
the suppression of any other property. The following are some of the less
known instances of the existence of these and other qualities. The fruit of
various Eugenias are found by travellers in the forests of Brazil to bear very
agreeable fruit. Pr. Max. Trav. 75. A fruit of Brazil, called Jaboticabeiras,
brought from the forests to the towns of St. Paul and Tejuco, belongs to this
order ; it is said to be delicious. PI. Usuelles, 29. The young flower-buds
of Calyptranthes aromatica have the flavour and quality of Cloves, for which
they might be advantageously substituted, according to M. Auguste St.
Hilaire. Ibid. no. 14. The volatile oil of Cajeputi is distilled from the leaves
of Melaleuca leucadendron, and is well known as a powerful sudorific, and
useful external application in chronic rheumatism. Ainslie, 1. 260. It is
considered carminative, cephalic, and emmenagogue, and is, no doubt, a highly
diffusible stimulant, antispasmodic, and diaphoretic. It has also the power of
dissolving caoutchouc. Ibid. The root of Eugenia racemosa (Stravadium)
has a slightly bitter, but not unpleasant taste. It is considered by the Hindoo
doctors valuable on account of its aperient, deobstruent, and cooling properties;
the bark is supposed to possess properties similar to Cinchona. Ibid. 2. 65.
A kind of gum Kino is yielded by Eucalyptus resinifera, which is occasionally
sold in the medicine bazars of India. Ibid. 1. 185. Other species of Euca-
lyptus yield a large quantity of tannin, which has been even extracted from
the trees in New Holland, and sent to the English market. The efficacy of
the bark of the root of the Pomegranate as a remedy for tape-worm is well
established in India. Ibid. 2. 175. The leaves of Glaphyria nitida, called
by the Malays The Tree of Long Life, (Kayo Umur Panjang,) "probably
from its maintaining itself at elevations where the other denizens of the forest
have ceased to exist," afford at Bencoolen a substitute for tea ; and it is known
to the natives by the name of the Tea Plant. Linn. Trans. 14. 129.
The following are the sections of this order :
1. Cham^laucie-s:.
Dec. Diet. Class, v. 11. (1826) ; Prodr. 3. 208. (1829.)
Lobes of the calyx 5. Petals the same number. Stamens in a single row,
distinct or somewhat polyadelphous, sometimes partly sterile. Fruit dry,
1-celled ; ovula numerous, erect, attached to the centre, or a central placenta. —
Heath like New Holland shrubs. Bracteola 2, under the flower, distinct, or
combined, or even operculiform.
Examples. Chamaelaucium, Calytrix.
2. Leptosperme.s:.
Leptospermese, Dec. Diet. Class. 11. (1826) ; Prodr. 3. 209. (1829.)
Lobes of the calyx 4 or 6. Petals the same number. Stamens distinct,
or polyadelphous. Fruit dry, many-celled. — Shrubs or trees, natives of New
Holland and the neighbouring countries. Leaves opposite or alternate.
Inflorescence various ; the flowers sometimes almost immersed in the stem.
Examples. Lcptospermum, Melaleuca, Eucalyptus.
65
3. Myrteje.
Myrteae, Dec. Did. Class. 11. (1826) ; Prodr. 3. 230. (1829.)
Sepals 4 ov 5. Petals the same number. Stamens distinct. Fruit fleshy,
many-celled. — Trees or shrubs, mostly intra- tropical, very few from New
Holland.
Examples. Myrtus, Eugenia.
4. Barringtonieje.
Barringtoniea?, Dec. Diet. Class. 11. (1826) ; Prodr. 3. 288. (1829.)
Lobes of the calyx from 4 to 6. Petals as many. Stamens very nume-
rous, in several rows, equally and shortly monadelphous. Fruit berried or,
dry, indehiscent, with several cells. Cotyledons large, fleshy. — Trees.
Leaves not dotted, alternate, or almost opposite or whorled, entire or serrate.
Flowers in racemes or panicles. Probably not belonging to the order.
Examples. Barringtonia, Stravadium.
LVII. COMBRETACEjE. The Myrobalan Tribe.
foMBncTAcE*, R. Brown Prodr. 351. (1810), incidentally without a character ; A. Rich.
Diet. Class. 4. 353. (1823); Dec. Prodr. 3. 9. (1828) ; Mcmoirc (1828.)— Myhobola.nejb,
Juss. Diet. Sc. Nat. 31. 458. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous stamens double
the number of the petals, concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium of one cell,
with pendulous ovules hanging from the apex of the cavity, no stipulae, oblong
petals, and convolute cotyledons.
Anomalies. Often apetalous.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, with a 4- or 5-lobed deciduous limb. Petals
arising from the orifice of the calyx, alternate with the lobes ; sometimes wanting. Stamciis
arising from the same part, twice as many as the segments of the calyx, very rarely equal to
them in number, or 3 times as many ; filaments distinct, subulate ; anthers 2-celled, bursting
longitudinally. Ovarium 1 -celled, with from 2 to 4 ovules, hanging from the apex of the
cavity; style 1 ; stigma simple. Fruit drupaceous, baccate, or nut-like, 1-celled, by abortion
l-seeded, indehiscent, often winged. Seed pendulous, without albumen; embryo with tho
radicle turned towards the hiluin; plumu/a inconspicuous ; cotyledons leafy, usually convo-
lute, occasionally plaited. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate or opposite, without stipulas,
entire. Spikes axillary or terminal.
Affinities. " These may be placed indifferently in the vicinity of Sanla-
laceee and Elamgnere, or of Onagrariae and Myrtaceee, approaching the former
by the apetalous genera, and the latter by those which have petals." Dec.
To Myrtaceae and Melastomacese they are related through Memecyleae, and
, especially to the former, by Punica, with which they agree in the structure of
their embryo. In the latter respect they also accord with Rhizophoreae and
Vochyaceaa ; and with Alangieas and Onagrariae in the general structure of the
flower. With Santalaceae and Elaeagneae the apetalous genera agree in many
important particulars.
Decandolle has two sections.:
1. TERMINALIE.E.
Embryo cylindrical, elliptical. Cotyledons rolled spirally. Calyx 5-cleft.
Petals often wanting. Stamens 10.
19
2. CombretejE.
Embryo cylindrical, elliptical, or angular. Cotyledons thick, plaited irre-
gularly and longitudinally. Calyx 4 -6-cleft. Petals 4-5. Stamens 8-10.
Geography. All natives of the tropics of India, Africa, and America.
No species is extra-tropical.
Properties. Mostly astringents. Bucida Buceras yields a bark used for
tanning. Terminalia Vernix is said to furnish the Chinese varnish, the juice
and exhalation of which are poisonous ; but this is at least doubtful. The bark
of Conocarpus racemosa, one of the plants called Mangroves in Brazil is used
greatly at Rio Janeiro for tanning. Pr. Max. Trav. 206. The fruit of the
Terminalia bellerica, or the Belleric Myrobalan, is an astringent, tonic, and
attenuant. Ainslic, 1. 236. That of the Terminalia Chebula is much more
astringent. The bark of Terminalia alata is astringent and antifebrile. Ibid.
2. 193. The fruit of Terminalia Chebula, as well as the galls of the same
plant, are very astringent, and highly valued by dyers : with alum they give a
durable yellow, and with a ferruginous mud an excellent black. Ibid. 2. 128.
The root of T. latifolia is given in Jamaica in diarrhoea. Ibid.
Examples. Combretum, Bucida, Terminalia.
LVIII. ALANGIE.E.
Alangieje, Dec. Prodr. 3. 203. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with numerous perigynous stamens*
concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium with several cells, definite pendulous
ovula, exstipulate leaves, flat cotyledons, and linear petals.
Anomalies. None.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, eampanulate, 5-10-toothed. Petals 5-10, linear,
reflexed. Stamens long-, exserted, 2 or 4 times as numerous as the petals ; filaments distinct,
villous at the base ; anthers adnatc, linear, 2-celled, turned inwards, often empty. Disk fleshy
at the base of the limb of the calyx. Drupe oval, somewhat crowned by the calyx, fleshy,
slightly ribbed, and downy; nucleus 1-celled, bony, with a foramen at the apex. Seed 1, or
according to Rheedc 3, inverted, ovate ; albumen fleshy, brittle ; embryo straight ; radicle
long, ascending ; cotyledons flat, foliaceous, cordate-ovate. — Large trees. Branches often
spiny. Leaves alternate, without stipulre, entire, without dots. Flowers fascicled, axillary.
Pru.it eatable.
Affinities. " Differ from Myrtacese in their more numerous petals, adnate
anthers, 1-celled fruit, and pendulous albuminous seeds. Agree with Combre-
tacese in the contracted tube of the calyx, 1-celled fruit, and pendulous seeds ;
but differ in the number of the petals, adnate anthers, albuminous seeds, and
flat cotyledons. The order disagrees entirely with Melastomaceae and Ona-
grarice, in the form of the anthers, and 1-celled fruit. It in some measure .
approaches Halorageae in the structure of the seed, but recedes from them in
habit, 1-celled fruit, and single style." Dec. Prodr. 3. 203.
Geography. Natives of the East Indies.
Properties. Alangium decapetalum and hexapetalum are said by the
Malays to have a purgative hydragogic property. Their roots are aromatic.
Example. Alancrium.
67
LIX. ELiEAGNE^E. The Oleaster Tribe.
EljEAONI, Juss. Gen. 75. (1789.)— Eljeagnejr, Ach. Rich. Monogr. (1823); lAndl.
Synopsis, 20a (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite erect ovula, a tabular
inferior calyx with the stamens alternate with its segments, and leprous leaves.
Anomalies. None.
Essential Character. — Blowers dioecious, rarely monoclinous. Stamens : Calyx 4«
parted; stamens 3, 4, or 8, sessile; anthers 2-cclled. Pistil: Calyx inferior, tubular, per-
sistent; the limb entire, or 2-4-toothed. Ovarium superior, simple, 1-celled; ovulum solitary,
ascending, stalked; stigma simple, subulate, glandular. Fruit crustaceous, enclosed within
the calyx become succulent. Seed erect ; embryo straight, surrounded by very thin fleshy
albumen; radicle short, inferior; cotyledons fleshy. — Trees or shrubs, covered with leprous
scales. Leaves alternate or opposite, entire, without stipula?. Flowers axillary, often fragrant.
Affinities. Its leprous leaves, superior fruit, and apetalous flowers, will at
all times distinguish the Oleaster tribe, which touches at one point Thymeleeae,
from which it is known by the position of its ovulum ; at another Proteaceae,
known by their valvate irregular calyxes and dehiscent fruit ; at a third Santa-
laces, which have the ovarium inferior ; and also at a fourth Combretacea?,
which have petals, convolute cotyledons, and a superior calyx.
Geography. The whole of tire northern hemisphere, as far as the equator,
is occupied more or less by this family, from Canada and Japan to Guiana and
Java : they are not known south of the line.
Properties. The berries of Hippophre rhamnoides are occasionally eaten ;
the fruit of Elaeagnus orientalis is almost as large as a Jujube, and is known in
Persia as an article of the dessert, under the name of Zinzeyd ; that of E,
arborea and conferta is eaten in Nipal.
Examples. Elreagnus, Hippophse, Shepherdia, Conuleum,
LX. PROTEACEAE.
Pboteaceje, Juss. Gen. (17S9); R. Brown, in Linn. Trans. 10. 15. (1809); Prodr. 363. (1810.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite erect ovula, dehiscent
fruit, a tubular inferior calyx with the stamens opposite its segments, and a
valvate aestivation.
Anomalies. The aestivation of Franklandia is induplicate, according to
Mr. Brown.
Essential Character. Calyx 4-leaved, or 4-cleft, with a valvular aestivation. Stamen*
4, sometimes in part sterile, opposite the segments of the calyx. Ovariuvi simple, superior ;
style simple ; stigma undivided. Fruit deliiscent or indehiscent. Seed without albumen;
embryo with two, or occasionally several cotyledons, straight; radicle inferior. — Shrubs or
small trees. Branches usually umbellate. Leaves hard, dry, divided or undivided, opposite or
alternate, without stipulce.
Affinities. There is no difficulty in distinguishing this order ; the hard
woody texture of whose leaves, and irregular tubular calyxes having a val-
vate aestivation, stamens placed upon the lobes, along with a dehiscent fruit,
at once characterize it. By these characters it is known from Elaeagneae, and
all other orders. The most complete systematic monograph that has ever been
68
written in Botany, is Mr. Brown's upon these, in the Linaean Society's Trans-
actions, from which I find much to extract. According to this botanist, " the
radicula pointing towards the base of the fruit in all Proteaceae, is a circum-
stance of the greatest importance, in distingushing the order from the most
nearly related tribes ; and its constancy is more remarkable, as it is not accom-
panied by the usual position or even uniformity in the situation of the external
umbilicus." Linn. Trans. 10. 36. Mr. Brown has also remarked, with his
usual acuteness, that in consequence of the presence of hypogynous squamae,
we may expect to find octandrous genera belonging to this family. See Flin-
ders, 2. 606. The same writer observes (Flinders 568), that there is a pecu-
liarity in the structure of the stamina of certain genera of Proteaceae, namely
Simsia, Conospermum, and Synaphea, in all of which these organs are con-
nected in such a manner that the cohering lobes of two different anthers form
only one cell. Another anomaly equally remarkable exists in Synaphea, the
divisions of whose barren filament so intimately cohere with the stigma, as to
be absolutely lost in its substance, while the style and undivided part of the fila-
ment remain perfectly distinct. In another place he remarks : " A circumstance
occurs in some species of Persoonia, to which I have met with nothing similar
in any other plant : the ovarium in this genus, whether it contain one or two
ovula, has never more than one cell ; but in several of the 2-seeded species, a
cellular substance is, after fecundation, interposed between the ovula, and this
gradually indurating, acquires in the ripe fruit the same consistence as the puta-
men itself, from whose substance it cannot be distinguished ; and thus, a fruit
originally of one cell becomes bilocular ; the cells, however, are not parallel, as
in all those cases where they exist in the unimpregnated ovarium, but diverge
more or less upwards." Brown in Lin. Trans. 10. 35. This is subsequently
explained, by the same author (King's Appendix), by the cohesion of the outer
membranes of the two collateral ovula, originally distinct, but finally constituting
this anomalous dissepiment, the inner membrane of the ovulum consequently
forming the outer coat of the seed.
Geography. " The favorite station of Proteaceae is in dry, stony, exposed
places, especially near the shore, where they occur also, though more rarely,
in loose sand. Scarcely any of them require shelter, and none a good soil. A
few are found in wet bogs, or even in shallow pools of fresh water ; and one,
the Embothrium ferrugineum of Cavanilles, grows, according to him, in salt
marshes. Respecting the height to which plants of this order ascend, a few
facts are already known. The authors of the Flora Peruviana mention, in gen-
eral terms, several species as being alpine ; and Humboldt, in his valuable
Chart of Equinoctial Botany, has given the mean height of Embothrium
emarginatum about 9300 feet, assigning it a range of only 300 feet. On the
summits of the mountains of Van Diemen's Island, in aboxit 43° south lat., at
the computed height about 4000 feet, I have found species of Embothrium, as
well as other genera, hitherto observed in no other situation. Embothrium,
however, as it is the most southern genus of any extent, so it is also, as might
have been presumed, the most alpine of the family. Two genera only of this
order are found in more than one continent : Rhopala, the most northern genus,
though chiefly occurring in America, is to be met with also in Cochin China,
and in the Malay archipelago ; and Embothrium, the most southern genus of
any extent, is common to New Holland and America. It is remarkable, that.
Proteaceaj are almost entirely confined to the southern hemisphere. This ob-
servation originated with Dr. Dryander ; and the few exceptions hitherto known
to it, occur considerably within the tropic. The fact is the more deserving of
notice, as their diffusion is very extensive in the southern hemisphere, not
merely in latitude and longitude, but also in elevation ; for they are not only
found to exist in all the great southern continents, but seem to be generally,
69
though very unequally, spread over their different regions : they have been ob-
served also in the larger islands of New Zealand and New Caledonia ; but
hitherto neither in any of the lesser ones, nor in Madagascar. As in America
they have been found in Terra del Fuego, in Chile, Peru, and even Guiana, it
is reasonable to conclude that the intermediate regions are not entirely destitute
of them. But with respect to this continent, it may be observed, that the num-
ber of species seems to be comparatively small ; their organization but little
varied ; and further, that they have a much greater affinity with those of New
Holland than of Africa. Of the botany of South Africa scarce any thing is
known, except that of the Cape of Good Hope, where this family occurs in the
greatest abundance and variety ; but even from the single fact of a genuine
species of Protea having been found in Abyssinia by Bruce, it may be pre-
sumed that in some degree they are also spread over this continent. With the
shores, at least, of New Holland, under which I include Van Diemen's Island,
we are now somewhat better acquainted ; and in every known part of these,
Proteaceae have been met with. But it appears, that both in Africa and New
Holland the great mass of the order exists about the latitude of the Cape of
Good Hope, in which parallel it forms a striking feature in the vegetation of both
continents. What I am about to advance respecting the probable distribution
of this family in New Holland must be very cautiously received, as it is in fact
chiefly deduced from the remarks I have myself made in Captain Flinders'
Voyage, and subsequently during my short stay in the settlements of New
South Wales and Van Diemen's Island, aided by what was long ago ascertained
by Sir Joseph Banks, and by a transitory inspection of an herbarium collected
on the west coast, chiefly in the neighbourhood of Shark's Bay, by the bota-
nists attached to the expedition of Captain Baudin. From knowledge so
acquired, I am inclined to hazard the following observations : The mass of the •
order, though extending through the whole of the parallel already mentioned,
is by no means equal in every part of it ; but on the southwest coast forms a
more decided feature in the vegetation of the country, and contains a far greater
number of species, than on the east ; and in that part of the south coast which
was first examined by Captain Flinders, it seems to be more scanty than at
either of the extremes. On the west coast also, the species, upon the whole,
are more similar to those of Africa than on the east, where they bear a some-
what greater resemblance to the American portion of the order. From the
parallel of the map, the order diminishes in both directions ; but the diminution
towards the north is probably more rapid on the east than on the west coast.
Within the tropic, on the east coast, no genera have hitherto been observed,
which are not also found beyond it ; unless that section of Grevillea, which I
have called Cycloptera, be considered as a genus : whereas, at the southern
limit of the order several genera make their appearance, which do not occur in
its chief parallel. The most numerous genera are also the most widely diffused.
Thus Grevillea, Hakea, Banksia, and Persoonia, extensive in species in the
order in which they are here mentioned, are spread nearly in the same propor-
tion ; and they are likewise the only genera that have as yet been observed
within the tropic. Of such of the remaining genera as consist of several
species, some, as Isopogon, Petrophila, Conospermum, and Lambertia, are found
in every part of the principal parallel, but hardly exist beyond it. Others, as
Josephea and Synaphea, equally limited to this parallel, have been observed
only towards its western extremity ; while Embothrium (comprehending, for
the present, under this name all the many-seeded plants of the order), which is
chiefly found on the east coast, and makes very little progress towards the
west, advances to the utmost limit of south latitude, and there ascends to the
summits of the highest mountains. Genera consisting of one or very few
species, and which exhibit generally the most remarkable deviations from the
70
usual structure of the order, are the most local, and are found either in the
principal parallel, or in the highest latitude. The range of species in the
whole of the order seems to be very limited ; and the few cases which may be
considered as exceptions to this, occur in the most extensive genera, and in such
of their species as are most strictly natives of the shores. Thus Banksia inte-
grifolia, which grows more within the influence of the sea than any plant of
the order, is probably also the most widely extended, at least in one direction,
being found within the tropic, and in as high a latitude as 40°. It is remarka-
ble, however, that with so considerable a range in latitude, its extension in lon-
gitude is comparatively small : and it is still more worthy of notice, that no
species of this family has been found common to the eastern and western shores
of New Holland." Brown in Lin. Trans. 10.
Properties. Handsome evergreen shrubs much prized by gardeners for
the neatness of their appearance, and beauty or singularity of their flowers ;
but of no known use, except as fire-wood, for which they are commonly em-
ployed at the Cape of Good Hope.
Examples. Protea, Banksia, Dryandra, Grevillea.
LXI. PENiEACE^E.
Pzkxacbje, /?. Brown, verbally (1820); Guillcmin in Diet. Class, 13. 171.(1823); Marlius
Hart. Monac. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite ovula, a 4-celled ovarium,
and a solid homogeneous embryo.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx inferior, with 2or more bracteoeat its base, hypocrateriform,
with a 4-lobed limb valvate in aestivation, or deeply 4-parted imbricated in aestivation. Sta-
mens either 4, arising from below the recesses of the limb, with which they alternate, or 8,
arising from near the base of the calyx ; anthers 2-celled, turned inwards, usually with
membranous valves lying on the face of a thick fleshy connectivum, sometimes with
fleshy valves, and an obliterated connectivum. Ovarium superior, 4-celled, with a simple
style and 4 stigmas ; ovules either ascending, collateral, in pairs, or solitary and suspended ;
the foramen always next the" placenta. Fruit capsular, 4-cellcd, dehiscent or indehiscent?
Seed erect or inverted : testa brittle ; nucleus a solid fleshy mass, with no distinction of albu-
men or embryo ; radicular end next the liilurn ? hilurn fungous. — Shrubs. Leaves opposite,
imbricated, without stipulae. flowers terminal and axillary, usually red.
Affinities. According to an observation of Jussieu, this order is allied to
Epacridere ; but I confess I am unable to perceive on what account. To me it
appears related in the first degree to some apetalous dicotyledons, such as Pro-
teaceae, with some of which the species agree in habit, and in the case of
Penaea fuiticulosa even in the thickened connectivum and the structure of the
lobes of the stigma, each of which is strikingly like that of a Grevillea. To
Bruniaceae they must be compared, notwithstanding the presence of petals in
that order, for the sake of Linconia, in which the pendulous ovula agree with
P. marginata (Geissoloma m.) and the thickened connectivum of the anthers,
which is common to several species, although not present in Geissoloma. The
fungous hilum of ihe seed is similar to that of Poly gales, with which, however,
Penneacese have no other apparent relation.
This order exhibits a singular instance of two distinct kinds of aestivation
and attachment of ovula among species which it is impossible to separate from
each other. In true Penaea the aestivation is valvate, and the ovula ascending,
while in Geissoloma the former is imbricate, and the latter suspended. Penaea
71
has also tetrandrous flowers, with peculiarly fleshy anthers, while Geissoloma.
has octandrous flowers, with no peculiar fleshiness in the anthers.
Geography. Evergreen shrubs, natives of the Cape of Good Hope.
Properties. A subviscid, sweetish, somewhat nauseous gum-resin, called
Sarcocolla, is produced by Penaea mucronata (and others). It was supposed by
the Arabians to possess, as its name indicates, the power of agglutinating
wounds. Ainslie, 1. 380. It contains a peculiar principle, named Sarcocollin,
which has never been detected in any other vegetable matter, and having the
property of forming oxalic acid, being treated with nitric acid. Dec.
Examples. Penaea, Geissoloma.
LXII. ARISTOLOCHI.E. The Birthwort Tribe.
Aristolochi.e, Juss. Gen. (1789) ; R. Brown Prodr. 349. (1810); Lindley's Synopsis, 224.
(1829)— Pistolochinje and Asabinje, Link Handb. 1. 367. (1S29.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with indefinite ovules, a many-celled
ovarium, and a valvate calyx.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers rnonoclinous. Calyx superior, tubular, with 3 seg-
ments which are valvate in aestivation, sometimes regular, sometimes very unequal. Stamens
5 to 10, epigynous, distinct or adhering to the style and stigmas. Ovarium inferior, 3- or
6-celled ; Ovules numerous, horizontally attached to the axis ; style simple, siigmas radiating,
as numerous as the cells of the ovarium. Fruit dry or succulent, 3- or 6-celled, many-seeded.
Seeds with a very minute embryo placed in the base of fleshy albumen. — Herbaceous plants
or shrubs, the latter often climbing. Leaves alternate, simple, stalked, often with leafy stipu-
la;. Flowers axillary, solitary, brown or some dull colour.
Affinities. These are usually stationed upon the limits of monocotyle-
dons and dicotyledons, agreeing with the former in the ternary division of the
flower, and in some respects in habit ; with the latter in the more essential
points of their structure. Their affinity to Cytinese, an order itself upon the
limits of the vascular and cellular divisions of vegetables, is undoubtedly very
intimate. Decandolle, in the Botanicon Gallictivi, places them between
Elaeagneee and Euphorbiaceae, to the former of which they approach through
Asarum, but -with the latter of which their relation is not obvious. To Passi-
floreae they may be compared, on account of the twining habit, alternate leaves,
and leafy habit of many species ; and Cucurbitaceae, on account of their
twining habit, and inferior ovarium.
Geography. Very common in the equinoctial parts of South America,
and rare in other countries ; found sparingly in North America, Europe, and
Siberia ; more frequently in the Basin of the Mediterranean, and in small
numbers in India.
Properties. These are in general tonic and stimulating ; Aristolochia is,
as its name implies, reputed emmenagogue, especially the European species
rotunda, longa, and Clematitis. An infusion of the dried leaves of Aristolo-
chia bracteata is given by native Indian practitioners as an anthelmintic ; fresh
bruised and mixed with castor oil, they are considered as a valuable remedy in
obstinate psora. The root of Aristol. indica is supposed by the Hindoos to pos-
sess emmenagogue and antarthritic virtues ; it is very bitter. Arist. odoratissima,
a native of the West Indies, is a valuable bitter, and alexipharmic. Jlinslie,
2. 5. The Aristolochia fragi-antissima, called in Peru Bejuca de la Estrella,
or Star Reed, is highly esteemed in Peru as a remedy against dysenteries, ma-
72
lignant inflammatory fevers, colds, rheumatic pains, &c. The root is the
part used. See Lambert's Illustration of Cinchona, p. 150, &c. The power
of the root of Aristolochia serpentaria in arresting the progress of the
worst forms of typhus, is highly spoken of by Barton, 2. 51 . [Bigelow 3. 62.]
It has an aromatic smell, approaching that of Valerian, with a warm, bitter-
ish, pungent taste. Asarum canadense, called Wild Ginger in the United
States, is nearly allied in medical properties to the Aristolochia serpentaria.
Barton, 2. 88. [Bigelow, 1.49.] The root of Asarum europium, or Asa-
rabacca, is used by native practitioners in India as a powerful evacuant : they
also employ the bruised and moistened leaves as an external application round
the eyes in certain cases of ophthalmia. Ainslic, 1. 24. The leaves and roots
of the same plant are emetic ; but this quality is lost, according to Decandolle,
by keeping or by steeping in vinegar.
Examples. Aristolochia, Asarum, Trichopus.
LXIII. CYTINE^E
Cvtine-e, Adolphe Brongn. in Ann. des. Sc. Nat. 1. 29. (1824). — Pistiaceje Agardh. Aphor,
Bot. p. 240.(1826). — Khizanthe.e, Blume in Batav. Zcitung, (1825); Flora Java:,
(1829).— Aristolochije, § Cytinese, Link Handb. 1. 368. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous leafless dicotyledons, with indefinite ovules, a 1-cel-
led ovarium with parietal placentae and indehiscent fruit.
Anomalies. No spiral vessels exist in these plants.
Essential Character. — Flowers dicecious, monoecious, or monoclinous. Calyx superior,
with a limb divided into several divisions, which are imbricated in aestivation. Stamens
cohering in a solid central column, from the apex of which arise some horned processes ;
anthers adnate, either bursting longitudinally and externally, or having their inside cellular,
and discharging their pollen by orifices at the apex. Ovarium inferior, 1- or many-celled,
with broad parietal placentse, which are covered with an indefinite number of minute ovules.
Fruit an inferior pulpy berry. Seeds extremely minute, (their nucleus consisting of a mass
of grumous matter. Blume.) — Parasitical brown or colourless plants, without spiral vessels.
Stem simple, covered with a few leaves in the form of scales. Flou-crs in spikes or heads, or
solitary.
Affinities. These very curious plants are all parasitical, with scales in
room of leaves. Among them is the very remarkable plant described by Mr.
Brown in the 13th vol. of the Linnaaan Society's Transactions, under the name
of Rafflesia, to which I refer those who are desirous either of knowing what
is the structure of one of the most anomalous of vegetables, or of finding a
model of botanical investigation and sagacity, or of consulting one of the
most beautiful specimens of botanical analysis which Mr. Bauer has ever
made. The affinity of these plants appears to be greater with Aristolochia^
than any other phaenogamous tribe. But the most interesting circumstance of
their organization is, that they exhibit in some degree the structure both of
flowering and flowerless, or of vascular and cellular plants. Like flowering or
vascular plants, they have a distinct floral envelope, and distinct sexual organs,
not essentially, or in fact very, different from those of ordinary vegetables.
Like flowerless or cellular plants, they are destitute of all trace of spiral
vessels, and their seeds appear to be composed of a homogeneous mass of
grumous matter, in which no radicle or cotyledons, no ascending or descending
extremity, no definite points of vegetation, can be distinguished.
Geography. Natives of the south of Europe, and the East Indies.
73
Properties. Probably all astringents. Cytinus contains Gallic acid ;
and, according to M. Pelletier (Bull. Pharm. 1813. p. 290.) it has the sin-
gular property of precipitating gelatine, although it does not contain tannin.
Rafflesia is used in Java as a powerful astringent, for certain purposes.
Example. Cytinus.
LXIV. SANTALACEiE. The Sanders- Wood Tribe.
Santalacejs, JR. Brown Prodr. 350. (1810); Juss. Diet, des Sc. Nat. 47. 287. (1827) ; hind.
Synops. 207. (1829.)— Osyride^, Juss. in Ann. Mas. vol. 5. (1802).— Nyssace^e, Juss.
in Diet, des Sciences, 35. 267. (1825.)— OsyrinjE, Link Handb. 1. 371. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite pendulous ovules, solitary
flowers, and a 1-celled ovarium, with a tubular superior calyx.
Anomalies. Osyris differs in its dioecious flowers, in having a trifid calyx
with only three stamens, and, according to the younger Gartner, an erect seed
with an embryo curved and lying a little out of the axis of the albumen, with
its radicle superior, and therefore turned away from the lrilum.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, 4- or 5-cleft, half-coloured, with valvate aestiva-
tion. Stamens 4 or 5, opposite the segments of the calyx, and inserted into their bases.
Ovarium 1-celled, with from 1 to 4 ovules, fixed to the top of a central placenta near the sum-
mit ; style 1 ; stigma often lobed. Fruit 1-seeded, hard and dry. and drupaceous. Albumen
fleshy, of the same form as the seed; embryo in the axis, inverted, taper. — Trees or shrubs,
sometimes under-shrubs or herbaceous plants. Leaves alternate, or nearly opposite, undi-
vided, sometimes minute, and resembling stipulre. Flowers in spikes, seldom in umbels, or
solitary, small. R. Br.
Affinities. Closely allied to Elreagnere and Thymelaea. Mr. Brown
observes (Flinders, 569.) that one of the most remarkable characters of this
tribe consists in its unilocular ovarium containing more than one, but always a
determinate number of ovula, which are pendulous, and attached to the apex
of a central receptacle. This receptacle varies in its figure in the different
genera, in some being filiform, in others nearly filling the cavity of the ova-
rium. It appears, from the botanical Appendix to Captain Flinders' Voyage,
that there is a very remarkable species of Exocarpus (a genus belonging to
this tribe,) which bears its flowers upon the margins of dilated foliaceous
branches, analogous to those of Xylophylla. I refer Nyssace* to this, with-
out any doubt. According to Jussieu, who is the only botanist that has
noticed that tribe, it contains but the single genus Nyssa, differing from Elae-
agnea? in its inferior ovarium, albuminous pendulous seed, and superior radicle.
It is more nearly allied to Santalacea? ; but its ovarium contains, instead of
three ovules adhering to a central placenta, one only, which is pendulous, and
its embryo is not cylindrical, but has enlarged foliaceous cotyledons. It has been
long since remarked by Mr. Brown, that Anthobolus and Exocarpus differ
from Santalacere in having a superior ovarium : Jussieu, in his last observa-
tions upon this tribe, does not absolutely separate those genera, but he suggests
the possibility of their forming a new family along with Cervantesia of the
Flora Peruviana.
Geography. Found in Europe and North America, in the form of little
obscure weeds ; in New Holland, the East Indies, and the South Sea Islands,
as large shrubs, or small trees.
Properties. Sanders-wood is the produce of Santalum album. In India
it is esteemed by the native doctors as possessing sedative and cooling
20
74
qualities, and as a valuable medicine in gonorrhoea. It is also employed as
a perfume. Jlinslie, 1. 377. The Thesiums are scentless and slightly astrin-
gent. Dec.
Examples. Santalum, Nyssa, Thesium.
LXV. THYMELJE^. The Mezereum Tribe.
Thymel^je, Juss. Gen. 76. (1789) ; B. Br. Prodr. 358. (1810)'; Landless Synopsis, 208. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with .definite pendulous ovula, a single
1 -celled superior ovarium, indehiscent fruit, and exstipulate leaves.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx inferior, tubular, coloured ; the limb 4-cleft, seldom 5-cleft,
■with an imbricated aestivation. Corolla 0, or sometimes scale-like petals in the orifice of the
calyx. Stamens definite, inserted in the tube or its orifice, often 8, sometimes 4, less fre>-
quentlv 2 ; when equal in number to the segments of the calyx or fewer, opposite to them ;
anthers 2-celled, dehiscing lengthwise in the middle. Ovarium solitary, with one solitary
pendulous ovulum; style 1 ; stigma undivided. Fruit hard, dry, and nut-like, or drupace-
ous. Albumen none, or thin and fleshy ; embryo straight, inverted ; cotyledons plano-convex ;
radicle short, superior ; plumula inconspicuous. — Stem shrubby, very seldom herbaceous,
with tenacious bark. Leaves without stipulre, alternate or opposite, entire. Flowers capitate
or spiked, terminal or axillary, occasionally solitary. B. Br.
Affinities. Closely akin to Santalacere, Elsagnese, and Proteacese, from
all which they are readily known by obvious characters ; especially from the
two latter by the pendulous ovula, and from the former by the inferior calyx.
Aquilarine*, placed by Decandolle near Chailletiacea?, among polypetalous
orders, differ from Thymelreae chiefly in their 2-valved fruit ; the scales in the
throat of several genera of Thymelseas being of the same nature as the bodies
wrongly called petals in Aquilarinese.
Geography. Natives sparingly of Europe, and the northern parts of the
world, common in the cooler parts of India and South America, and abundant
at the Cape of Good Hope and in New Holland.
Properties. The great feature of this order is the causticity of the bark,
which acts upon the skin as a vesicatory, and causes excessive pain in the
mouth if chewed. A decoction of it is said to have been found useful in vene-
real complaints. The berries of D. Laureola are poisonous to all animals
except birds. Dec. The bark is composed of interlaced fibres, which are
extremely tough, but which are easily separable ; in Jamaica a species is
found which is called the Lace Bark Tree, in consequence of the beautifully
reticulated appearance of the inner bark : cordage has been manufactured
from several species. A very soft kind of paper is made from the inner bark
of Daphne Bholua, in Nipal. Dec. Prodr. 68. Daphne Gnidium and Pas-
serina tinctoria are used in the south of Europe to dye wool yellow.
Examples. Daphne, Passerina, Struthiola.
LXVI. HERNANDIEiE.
HernandiejE, Blume Bijdr. 550. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with an inferior tubular deciduoug
calyx, a single pendulous ovulum, no albumen, lobed cotyledons, and a caly-
cine involucelhun to the pistillifcrous or monoclinous flowers.
Anomalies.
75 %
Essential Character* — Flower* monoecious or monoclinous, with a calyeine involu-
ceilum to the pistilliferouB or monoclinous. Calyx petaloid, inferior, tubular, 4-8-parted, decidu-
ous. Stamens definite, inserted into the calyx in two rows, of which the outer is often sterile ;
anthers bursting longitudinally. Ovarium superior, 1-celled ; orulum pendulous; style 1, or
none; stigma peltate. Drupe fibrous, 1-seeded. Seed solitary, pendulous; embryo without
albumen, inverted; cotyledons somewhat lobed, shrivelled, oily. — Trees. Leaves alternate,
entire. Spikes or corymbs axillary or terminal.
Affinities. Adopted from Blume. It appears very near Thymeljeae, dif-
fering almost solely in the fibrous drupaceous fruit, lobed cotyledons, and the
presence of a sort of involucrum to the pistilliferous or monoclinous flowers.
Hernandia has been hitherto referred to Laurinere or Myristicea^, from both of
which it is obviously very different. Blume refers lnocarpus to the same
order ; but this measure appears questionable.
Geography. Natives of the Indian archipelago and Guiana.
Properties. The bark, seed, and young leaves, are all slightly purgative.
According to Rumphius, the fibrous roots of Hernandia sonora, chewed and
applied to wounds caused by the Macassar poison, form an effectual cure.
The juice of its leaves is a powerful depilatory ; it destroys hair wherever it is
applied, without pain. The wood appears to be very light. According to
Aublet, that of H. guianensis takes fire readily from a flint and steel, and is
used as amadou.
Example. Hernandia.
LXVII. AaUILARINE^E. The Agallochum Tribe.
Aquilarineje, R. Brown Cong. p. 25. (1818) ; Dec. Prodr. 2. 59. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite suspended ovula, a soli-
tary superior 1-celled ovarium, tubular calyx, and stamina alternately fertile
and scale-like, arising from the throat.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Calyx turbinate, coriaceous, 5-lobed. Petals 0. Stamens mona-
delphous, 10 fertile, 10 sterile; the former inserted between the latter, which are petaloid or
scale-like; anthers innate, 2-celled, bursting longitudinally. Ovarium superior, 1-celled,
ovate, crowned by a short simple stigma ; ovules 2, parietal, suspended, with their foramen in
their apex, which is tapering and turned to the bottom of the cell. Capsule pyriform, 2-valved
1-celled, with the valves bearing the seed. Seeds solitary, with an arillus or tail, (probably
suspended, with the same form as the ovulum, and with the radicle at the opposite extremity
to the hilum.) — Trees. Leaves alternate, entire.
Affinities. M. Decandolle places this order between Chailletiacea^ but
with indications of doubt, and an erroneous character ; and Mr. Brown seems
willing (Congo 444.) to consider the order a section of Chailletiaeere, adding,
that it would not be difficult to show its affinity to Thymelseae. In this [ fully
concur, after an examination of a specimen of Aquilaria Agallochum, for
which 1 am indebted to the East India Company ; in fact, Aquilarinese chiefly
differ from Thymetaae in their dehiscent fruit, and probably also in the direction
of their radicle. In both orders the ovarium is superior and 1-celled, both have
similar scale-like bodies at the orifice of the calyx, and no petals, both sus-
pended ovula, a single style, and capitate stigma.
Geography. Natives of the East Indies.
Properties. Aloes wood, a fragrant resinous substance, of a dark colour,
is the inside of the trunk of the Aquilaria ovata and A. Agallochum. It is
70
considered a cordial by some Asiatic nations, and has been prescribed in Europe
in gout and rheumatism. Jlinslie, 1. 479.
Example. Aquilaria.
LXVIII. OLACINEiE.
Olacineje, Mirb. Bull. Philom. n. 75. 377. (1813); Dec. Prodr. 1. 531. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons; with hypogynous definite stamens,
concrete carpella, an ovarium of 1 cell with a columnar placenta in the axis,
an imbricated calyx, unsymmetrical flowers, definite (3) pendulous ovules, and
bifid petals with appendages.
Anomalies. According to Decandolle and others, the ovarium of some
consists of several cells, but this is doubtful. Ximenia has entire petals, but it
is not certain that it belongs to the order.
Essential Character. — Calyx small, entire, or slightly toothed, finally becoming', in many
cases, enlarged. Petals, definite, hypogynous, valvate in aestivation, either altogether sepa-
rate, or cohering in pairs by the intervention of stamina. Stamens definite, part fertile, part
sterile ; the former varying in number from 3 to 10, hypogynous, usually cehering with the
petals, and alternate with them ; the latter opposite the petals, to which they in part adhere,
their upper end resembling an appendage ; filaments compressed; anthers innate, oblong,
2-celled, bursting longitudinally. Ovarium superior, l:ceiled, with 3 ovules pendulous from the
top of a central coluimi or placenta. P. Br. (Style' filiform ; stigma simple. Fruit some-
what drupaceous, indehisoent, frequently surrounded by the enlarged calyx, 1-celled, 1-seeded.
Seed erect ; albumen large, fleshy ; embryo small, in the base of albumen, its radicle near the
hilum. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves simple, alternate, entire, without stipulse; occasionally
wanting. Flowers small, axillary.
Affinities. M. Decandolle places this' order near Aurantiacese, with which
it agrees in many respects, differing, however, in the structure of the ovarium,
the want of a disk, the unsymmetrical flowers, &c. Jussieu, on the contrary,
regards the affinity as strongest with Sapotese, considering the corolla as mo-
nopetalous. But the obvious affinity of Olax with Aquilarineae and Samydese
induces me to concur with Mr. Brown in considering the order nearly akin to
Santalacese, among Monochlamydese. In the meanwhile its artificial charac-
ters place it among Thalamiflorae.
Geography. A small order, consisting of 'tropical or nearly tropical
shrubs, chiefly found' in the East Indies, New Holland, and Africa. One only
is known in the West Indies. None have been described from any part of
South America, south of Dutch Guiana.
Properties. The wood of Heisteria coccinea is the Partridge wood of the
cabinet-makers.
Examples. Olax, Fissilia.
LXIX. CHAILLETIACE.E.
Chailletije, R. Brown Cong. p. 23. (1818).— Chailletiace*:, Dec. Prodr. 2.57. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
concrete carpella, a superior ovarium with 2 or 3 cells and 5 hypogynous glands
and alternate stipulate leaves.
Anomalies.
77
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, with an incurved valvate aestivation. Petals 5, alter-
nate with the sepals, and arising from the base of the calyx, usually 2-lobed. Stamens 5, alter-
nate with the petals, and combined with them at the base ; anthers ovate, versatile. Glands
usually 5, hypogynous, opposite the petals. Ovarium superior, 2- or 3-cc lied : ovules twin,
rjndulous ; style simple; stigma obsoletcly 3-lobcd. Fruit drupaceous, rather dry, 1- 2- or
celled. Seeds solitary, pendulous, without albumen; embryo thick, with a thick superior
radicle and fleshy cotyledons. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, with two stipule, entire.
Mowers small, axillary, their peduncle often connate with the petiole.
Affinities. Whether what are here called petals are not rather abortive
stamina is doubted by botanists, and hence the station of the order is by one
referred to Dichlamydea?, and by another to Monochlamydese, and is compared,
on the one hand, with Terebintacese or Rosacea?, and, on the other, with Sa-
mydeae and Amentacere. To me it seems that what appear to be petals are so ;
a fact which it is difficult to doubt, when it is remembered that both organs are
mere transformations of one common type, and that it is in appearance and po-
sition only that they differ. Decando'lle stations it between Homalineae and
Aquilarineae, to the latter of which it has probably most affinity ; it agrees
with the former in the presence of glands round the ovarium, but differs in its
superior ovarium with the placenta in the axis, and many other characters.
Geography. Of the few known species belonging to this order, 2 are
found in Sierra Leone, 2 in Madagascar, 2 in equinoctial America, and 1 in
Timor.
Properties. The fruit of Chailletia toxicaria is said to be poisonous.
Examples. Chailletia, Leucosia, Tapura.
LXX. HOMALINEiE.
Homalineje, R. Brown in Congo, (1818) ; Dec. Prodr. 2. 53. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous stamens, concrete
carpella, an inferior ovarium of 1 cell with parietal placentae, and petals and
sepals resembling each other, with glands at their base.
Anomalies. It is said there are no glands in Napimoga. Astranthus is
said to have a superior ovarium ; but this requires confirmation.
Essential Character. — Calyx funnel-shaped, superior, with from 5 to 15 divisions. Petals
alternate with the segments of the calyx, and equal to them in number. Glands present in
front of the segments of the calyx. Stamens arising from the base of the petals, either singly
or in threes or sixes ; anthers 2-celled, opening longitudinally. Ovarium half inferior, 1-celled,
with numerous ovula; styles from 3 to 5, simple, filiform, or subulate; ovules attached to aa
many parietal placenta; as there are styles. Fruit berried or capsular. Seeds small, ovate,
or angular, with an embryo in the middle of fleshy albumen. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves alter-
nate, with deciduous stipulffi, toothed or entire. Flowers in spikes, racemes, or panicles.
Affinities. According to Mr. Brown, related to Passiflorea, especially to
Smeathmannia," from which, however, their inferior ovarium distinguishes them,
to say nothing of their general want of stipulse and glands on the leaves, of the
presence of glands at the base of the floral envelopes, and of their erect and
very different habit. With Malesherbiaceee they agree and disagree much, as
with Passiflorere. From Rosacea^, Bixinea, and Flacourtianeas, to all which
they have a greater or less degree of affinity, they differ in many obvious par-
ticulars. Decandolle places them between Samydere and Chailletiaceas, de-
scribing them as apetalous, but classing them with his Dichlamydeee ; Mr.
Brown also understands them as without petals ; but I confess I cannot com-
prehend what petals are, if the inner series of the floral envelopes of these plants
are not so ; an opinion which their supposed affinity with Passifloreee would
78
confirm, if analogy could be admitted as evidence in cases which can be decided
without it. I may remark, that the statement of M. Decandolle, that the sta-
mens are opposite the sepals (Prodr. 3. 53.) is inaccurate ; they are, as Mr.
Brown describes them (Congo) opposite the petals.
Geography. All tropical, and chiefly African or Indian. Four or five
species are described from the West Indies and South America.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Astranthus, Blackwellia, Homalium.
LXXI. SAMYDE.E.
Samydeje, Vent. Mem. Ins. 2. 142. (1807) ; Gcerln. fil. Carp. 3. 238. 242. (1S05) ; Kunth. Nor.
Gen. 5. 360. (1821) ; Dec. Prodr. 2. 47. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with indefinite ovules, a 1-celled ova-
rium with parietal placentae, dehiscent fruit, monoclinous flowers, perigynous
monadelphous stamens, and leaves with a mixture of round and oblong dots.
Anomalies.
Essential Ch akacter. — Sepals 3, 5, or 7, more or less cohering- at the base, usually coloured
inside ; aestivation somewhat imbricated, very seldom completely valvate. Petals 0. Stamens
arising from the tube of the calyx, 2, 3, or 4 times as many as the sepals ; filaments monadel-
phous, either all bearing anthers, or alternately shorter, villous or ciliated, and alternately
bearing ovate 2-celled erect anthers. Ovarium superior, 1-celled; style I, filiform; stigma
capitate, or slightly lobed ; orula indefinite, attached to parietal placenta. Capsule coriaceous,
with 1 cell and from 3 to 5 valves, many-seeded, the valves dehiscing imperfectly, often some-
what pulpy inside, and coloured. Seeds fixed to the valves, without order, on the papillose or
pulpy part, with a fleshy arillus and excavated hilum ; albumen fleshy ; embryo inverted, mi-
nute ; cotyledons ovate, foliaceous ; radicle pointing to the extremity remote from the hilum.
— Threes or shrubs. Leaves alternate, often somewhat distichous, simple, entire or toothed,
evergreen, with stipulse, usually with pellucid dots, which are most frequently oblong. Pe-
duncles axillary, solitary, or .numerous.
Affinities. Placed in Dichlamydea^ by Decandolle, who, however, de-
scribes them as apetalous, " unless the petaloid layer covering the inner sur-
face of the sepals be considered a corolla," a proposition which it is impossible
to admit.- This order appears to be of very uncertain affinity. Its fruit ap-
proximates it to Bixinere, its dotted leaves to Terebintacere, near which Decan-
dolle stations it, and its perigynous stamens to Rosacea^, with which its alter-
nate stipulate leaves also ally it. Mr. Brown observes, that Samydere are
especially distinguished by their leaves having a mixture of round and linear
pellucid dots, which distinguish them from all the other families with which
they are likely to be confounded. Congo, 444.
Geography. Chiefly natives of the West Indies and South America ; a
very few only are described from India.
Properties. Unknown. The bark and leaves are said to be astringent in
a slight degree. Dec.
Examples. Samyda, Casearia.
LXXII. SANGUISORBEiE. The Burnet Tribe.
Rosaceje, § Sanguisorbca:, Juss. Gen. 336. (1789) ; Dec. Prodr. 2. 588. (1828) ; Lindl. Synops.
102. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite suspended ovula, an in-
ferior tubular indurated calyx, with perigynous stamens, indehiscent fruit, and
alternate stipulate leaves.
70
Anomalies. The stipulae of Cliffortia cohere with the leaves. Alchemilla
arvensis has simple 1-celled anthers bursting transversely, and ascending ovula.
Essential Character. — Flowers often diclinous. Calyx with a thickened tube and a 3
4- or 5-lobed limb, its tube lined with a disk. Petals none. Stamens definite, sometimes fewer
than the segments of the calyx, with which they are alternate, arising from the orifice of the
calyx ; anthers 2-celled, innate, bursting longitudinally, occasionally 1-cclled, bursting trans-
versely. Ovarium solitary, simple, with a style proceeding from the apex or the base ; ovulum
solitary, always attached to that part of the ovarium which is next the base of the style ; stigma
compound or simple. Nut solitary, enclosed in the often indurated tube of the calyx. Seed
solitary, suspended or ascending; embryo without albumen; radicle superior ; cotyledons large,
plano-convex. — Herbaceous plants or under-shrubs, occasionally spiny. Leaves simple and
fobed, or compound, alternate, with stipule. Flowers small, often capitate.
Affinities. This order, usually combined with Rosacese, appears to me to
demand a distinct station, on account of its constantly apetalous flowers, its in-
durated calyx, and the reduction of carpella to one only ; it is, however, not, as
far as I know, distinguishable by any other characters. The presence of petals,
a character assigned to Acsena, I have shown, in the Botanical Register, to
have no existence. Usually the ovulum is suspended, the style arising from
below the apex of the carpellum ; but when the style proceeds from the base
of the carpellum, the ovulum is ascending, in all cases adhering to the ovarium
immediately over against the origin of the style. A genus usually referred to
this order, the Cephalotus of Labillardiere, offers a remarkable exception to the
usual characters, in having a coloured calyx, in the senary division of its flower,
and in the presence of ascidia, or pitchers, among its leaves, resembling those
of Nepenthes. It is, however, by no means well ascertained that this is the
station of Cephalotus, its seeds being unknown. Various kinds of adhesion be-
tween the leaves and the stipules take place in the genus Cliffortia, and have
given rise to a number of errors ; for an explanation of which, see M. Decan-
dolle's remarks in the Annates des Sciences Naturelles, 1. 447.
Geography. Natives of heaths, hedges, and exposed places in Europe,
North and South America beyond the tropics, and the Cape of Good Hope j
in which latter country they represent the Rosacea; of Europe.
Properties. Their general character is astringency. A decoction of
Alchemilla vulgaris is slightly tonic. This is asserted by Frederick Hoffmann
and others, to have the effect of restoring the faded beauty of ladies to its
earliest freshness. Sanguisorba officinalis, or common Burnet, is a useful
fodder. A. R.
Examples. Acaena, Sanguisorba, Margyricarpus.
LXXIII. ROSACEA. The Rose Tribe.
Rosace*, Juss. Gen. 334. in part (1789); Dec. Prodr. 2. 525. in part (1825); Dec. ane Duby
Botan. Gall, in part (1828); Lindl. Synops. p. 88. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with lateral styles, superior simple
ovaria. regular perigynous stamens, exalbuminous definite seeds, and alternate
stipulate leaves.
Anomalies. Stipulae absent in Lowea. Albumen present in Neillia,
according to Don. The fruit of Spirrea sorbifolia (Schizonotus m.) is cap-
sular.
Essential Character. — Calyx 4- or 5-lobed, with a disk either lining the tube or sur-
rounding the orifice ; the fifth lobe next the axis. Petals 5, perigynous, equal. Stamens
80
indefinite, arising from the calyx, just within the petals, in aestivation curved inwards;
anthers innate, 2-celled, bursting longitudinally. Ovaries superior, either solitary or several,
1-celled, sometimes cohering into a plurilocular pistillum ; ovula 2, or more, suspended, very
rarely erect ; styles lateral ; stigmata usually simple, and emarginate on one side. Fruit
either 1-seeded nuts, or acini, or follicles containing several seeds. Seeds suspended, rarely
ascending. Embryo straight, with a taper short radicle pointing to the hilum. and flat coty-
ledons. Albumen usually almost obliterated when the seeds are ripe ; if present, fleshy. —
Herbaceous plants or shrubs. Leaves simple or compound, alternate, with 2 stipukc at
their base.
Affinities. The genera of this order are uniform in their structure and
sensible qualities. Neuradea3, at present included, will probably be hereafter
removed to a more appropriate station. Distinguished from Pomacere by their
superior fruit and usually suspended seeds ; from Leguminosa? by their regular
petals and stamens, and especially by the odd segment of the 5-lobed calyx of
that order being anterior, not posterior, as in Rosacea? ; from Chrysobalanea?
by their styles proceeding from the side of the ovarium near the apex, and not
from the base, by their regular petals and stamens, and by their fruit not being
a drupe. Amygdaleai, often combined with Rosacea, are particularly charac-
terized by their terminal styles, drupaceous fruit, and lrydrocyanic juice, along
with which is a formation of gum. Sanguisorbere are apetalous, with definite
stamens alternate with the segments of the calyx. Related in many points
to Saxifrages.
Geography. Natives chiefly of the temperate or cold climates of the
northern hemisphere ; a very few are found on high land within the tropics,
and an inconsiderable number in the southern hemisphere. Only one species
is found in the West Indies, viz. Rubus jamaicensis ; thirteen are natives of
high land in the East Indies, within the tropics, viz. Potentilla Leschenaul-
tiana, and twelve species of Rubus ; the South American species chiefly
consist of a few kinds of Rubus ; at the Cape of Good Hope the order is
unknown.
Properties. No Rosaceous plants are unwholesome ; they are chiefly
remarkable for the presence of an astringent principle, which has caused some
of them to be reckoned febrifuges. The' root of Tormentilla is used for tan-
ning in the Feroe Isles. Dec. Potentilla anserina has been used by tanners ;
P. reptans as a febrifuge. Ibid. Geum urbanum and rivale have been com-
pared, for efficacy, to Cinchona. Ibid. The fruits of many species of Fra-
garia (Strawberry) and Rubus (Raspberry and Blackberry) are valuable
articles of the dessert. The leaves of Rubus arcticus and Rosa rubiginosa
have been employed as substitutes for Tea. Ibid. The roots of Gillenia
trifoliata and stipulacea are emetic, and perhaps tonic. Barton, 1. 69. They
are used in the United States as Ipecacuanha. Dec. The root of Spirrea
ulmaria has been used as a tonic. A. R. Agrimonia eupatoria yields a
decoction useful as a gargle. Ibid. The root of Rubus villosus is a popular
astringent medicine in North America. Two or three teaspoonsful of the
decoction, administered three or four times a-day, has been found useful in
cholera infantum. Barton, 2. 157. One of the most powerful anthelmintics
in the world belongs to this family. It is an Abyssinian plant, known to
botanists by the name of Brayera anthehnintica. Upon the authority of Dr.
Brayer, after whom it is named, two or three doses of the infusion are sufficient
to cure the most obstinate case of taenia. Sec Brayer's JYotice upon the sub-
ject. The various species of Rosa form some of the greatest beauties of the
garden. The fruit of R. canina and other allied species is astringent, and
employed in medicine against chronic diarrhoea and other maladies. The
petals of R. damascena yield a highly fragrant essential oil, called Attar of
Roses ; those of R. gallica are astringent when dried with rapidity, and are
sometimes found useful in cases of debility, such as leucorrhcea, diarrhoea,
&c. A. R.
81
The following divisions have been established among Rosaceous plants :
1. § PoTENTiLLEiE. Cinque/oils.
§ Potentilhe, Juss. Gen. 337. (1789.)— § Dryadeae, Vent. Tabl. 3. 349. (1799) ;
Dec. Prodr. 2. 549. (1825.)— Fragariacea;, Rich, in JYestl. Potentill.
(1816) ; Lindl. Synops. 90. (1829.)
Fruit consisting either of small nuts or acini, arising from a common recep-
tacle, and invested with a dry permanent calyx. Calyx either 4- or 5-cleft,
sometimes bearing- bracteolce on its tube equal in number to the segments, and
alternate with them. Petals 5. Seed solitary, erect, or inverted. — Mostly
herbaceous plants, very seldom shrubs; leaves usually compound; stipules
adhering to the petiole.
Examples. Potentilla, Fragaria, Geum.
2. § RosevE. True Roses.
§ Rosa;, Juss. Gen. 335. (1789.)— § Rosa?, Dec. Prodr. 2. 596. (1825) ; Lind.
Synops. 99. (1829.)
Nuts numerous, hairy, terminated by the persistent lateral style, and en-
closed within the^fleshy tube of the calyx, which is contracted at its orifice,
where it is surrounded by a fleshy disk. Seed suspended. Sepals 5. Petals
5. Stamens indefinite. — Shrubs, with prickly or naked stems. Leaves pin-
nate. Flowers red, white, or yellow, usually fragrant.
Examples. Rosa, Lowea.
3. § Spir^ace^e. Spiraas:
§ Spirteae, Juss. Gen. 339. (1789.)— § Ulmaria?, Vent. Tabl. 3. 351. (1799.)—
§ Spiraeaceae, Dec. Prodr. 2. 541. (1825.) ; Lindl. Synops. 89. (1829.)
Follicles several, invested by the calyx. Seeds from 1 to 6, suspended from
the inner edges of the follicles. — Shrubs or herbaceous plants.
Examples. Spiraea, Gillenia, Schizonotus.
? 4. § NeuradejE. Neuradus.
§ Neuradeae, Dec. Prodr. 2. 548. (1825.)
Calyx 5-cleft, with a short tube adhering to the ovarium, the lobes some-
what incumbent or valvate in aestivation. Petals 5. Stamens 10. Carpella
10, combined in a 10-celled compressed capsule. Seeds solitary, obliquely pen-
dulous.— Herbaceous plants, native of sandy plains, suffrutescent at the base,
and usually decumbent. Leaves with 2 stipulae, downy, sinuate-pinnatifid, or
bipinnatifid. Seeds germinating in the capsule.
Example. Neurada.
Is not this rather a tribe of Ficoideae, as has been suggested by M. de Jus-
sieu ? to which, however, the want of albumen, the form of the embryo, and
the texture of the leaves, are objections. Dec. Prodr. 2. 548.
LXXIV. POMACE^E. The Apple Tribe.
Rosacbje, § Pomaceae, Juss. Gen. 334. (1789) ; Dec. Prodr. 2. 626. (1825.)— Pomaces, Lindl.
in Linn. Trans. 13. 93. (1821) ; Synops. 103. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous indefinite stamens,
ovaria adhering more or less to the calyx, and alternate stipulate leaves.
21
82
Anomalies. In Araelanchier, the simple ovaria are spuriously 2-celled. In
Crataegus the ovaria are very rarely solitary.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, 5-toothed ; the odd segment posterior. Petals
5, unguiculate, inserted in the throat of the calyx ; the odd one anterior. Stamens indefinite,
inserted in a ring in the throat of the calyx. bisk thin, clothing the sides of the limb of the
calyx. Ovaria from 1 to 5, adhering more or less to the sides of the calyx and each other ;
ovules usually 2, collateral, ascending, very rarely solitary ; styles from 1 to 5 ; stigmata sim-
ple. Fruit a pome, I- to 5-celled, seldom spuriously 10-celled ; the endocarpium either carti-
laginous, spongy, or bony. Seeds ascending, solitary. Albumen none ; embryo erect, with flat
cotyledons, or convolute ones in Chamtcmeles, and a short conical radicle. — Trees or shrubs.
Leaves alternate, stipulate, simple, or compound. Flowers in terminal cymes, white or pink.
Affinities. Closely allied to Rosaceae, from which they differ in the ad-
hesion of the ovaria with the sides of the calyx, and more or less with each other.
Their fruit is always a pome ; that is, it is made up of a fleshy calyx adhe-
ring to fleshy or bony ovaria, containing a definite number of seeds. Poma-
ceae are peculiarly distinguished by their ovula being in pairs, and side by side ;
while Rosaceae, when they have two or more ascending ovules, always have
them placed one above the other. Cultivated plants of the order are very apt
to produce monstrous flowers, which depart sometimes in a most remarkable
degree from their normal state. No order can be more instructively studied
with a view to morphological inquiries ; particularly the common Pear when in
blossom. A remarkable permanent monster of this kind, with 14 styles, 14
ovaria, and a calyx with 10 divisions in two rows, is described in the Revue
Encycloptdique, (43. 762.) ; it exhibits a tendency, on the part of Pomaceae,
to assume the indefinite ovaria and double calyx of Rosacea^. I have seen a
Prunus in a similar state. Amygdaleea are known by their superior solitary
ovarium and drupaceous fruit, and by the presence of Prussic acid, which,
however, exists in Cotoneaster microphylla, a plant of the order Pomaceae.
Geography. Found plentifully in Europe, Northern Asia, the mountains
of India, and North America ; rare in Mexico, unknown in Africa, except on
its northern shore, and in Madeira, and entirely absent from the southern
hemisphere ; a solitary species is found in the Sandwich Islands.
Properties. The fruit as an article of food, and the flowers for their
beauty, are the chief peculiarities of this order, which consists exclusively of
trees and bushes, without any herbaceous plant. The Apple, the Pear, the
Medlar, the Quince, the Service, the Rowan Tree or Mountain Ash, are all well
known, either for their beauty or their use. The wood of the Pear is almost
as hard as Box, for which it is even substituted by wood engravers ; the tim-
ber of the Beam Tree (Pyrus Aria) is invaluable for axletrees. The bark of
Photinia dubia is used in Nipal for dyeing scarlet. Dec. Prodr. 238. Malic
acid is contained, in considerable quantity, in apples ; it is also almost the sole
acidifying principle of the berries of the Mountain Ash (Pyrus aucuparia).
Turner, 634.
Examples. Pyrus, Crataegus, Cydonia.
LXXV. AMYGDALEjE. The Almond Tribe.
Amygdaleje, Juss. Gen. 340. a % of Rosacea (1789).— Drupacex, Dec. Fl. Francaise, 4. 479.
(1815) ; Prodr. 2. 529. (1825) o § of Rosacea ; Ltndl. Synops. 89. (1829) o § of Rosacea;. .
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with a superior solitary simple ova-
rium having a terminal style, regular perigynous indefinite stamens, a drupa-
83
ceous fruit, an exalbuminous suspended seed, and alternate stipulate simple
leaves yielding hydrocyanic acid.
Anomalies.
Essential Chabacteb. — Calyx 5-toothed, deciduous, lined with a disk ; the fifth lobe next
the axis. Petals 5, perigynous. Stamens 20, or thereabouts, arising from the throat of the
calyx, in aestivation curved inwards ; anthers innate, 2-celled, bursting longitudinally. Orary
superior, solitary,simple,l-celled ; ovula 2, suspended ; styles terminal, with a furrow on one side,
terminating in a reniform stigma. Fruit a drupe, with the putamen sometimes separating
spontaneously from thesarcocarp. Seeds mostly solitary, suspended, in consequence of the cohe-
sion of a funiculus umbilicalis, arising from the base of the cavity of the ovarium, with its
side. Embryo straight, with the radicle pointing to the hilum ; cotyledons thick ; albumen
none. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves simple, alternate, usually glandular towards the base: sti-
pules simple, mostly glandular. Flowers white or pink. Hydrocyanic acid present in the
leaves and kernel.
Affinities. Distinguished from Rosaceae and Pomacese by their fruit be-
ing a drupe, their bark yielding gum, and by the presence of hydrocyanic
acid ; from Leguminosae by the latter character, and also by their regular pe-
tals and stamens, and especially by the odd segment of the 5-lobed calyx of
that order being inferior, not superior ; from Chrysobalanea? by their hydrocy-
anic acid, terminal styles, and regular petals and stamens. I have seen a
monstrous Plum with an indefinite number of ovaria arising irregularly from the
tube of the calyx, and therefore exhibiting a tendency, on the part of this
order, to assume one of the distinguishing characters of Rosacea?.
Geography. Natives exclusively of the northern hemisphere, where they
are found in cold or temperate climates. One species, Cerasus occidentalis, is a
native of the West Indies ; a kind of Almond, Amygdalus microphylla, inha-
bits hot arid plains in Mexico : and another, A. cochinchinensis, is reputed to
grow in the woods of Cochinchina.
Properties. The astringent febrifugal properties of Rosacea?, with which
order these are usually combined, are also found in Amygdalea? ; as in the bark
of Cerasus virginiana, which is prescribed in the United States, and of the C.
capollim of Mexico. They are, however, better known for yielding an abun-
dance of prussic, or hydrocyanic, acid, a deadly principle residing in the leaves
and kernel ; in consequence of which some of the species are poisonous to cat-
tle which feed upon them : as, for example, the Cerasus capricida, which kills
the goats of Nipal ; and the C. virginiana, which is known in North America
to be dangerous. [The leaves of C. caroliniana are highly poisonous, and fre-
quently destroy cattle that feed on them.] They all of them, also, yield a gum
analogous to gum tragacanth. Notwithstanding, however, the poisonous prin-
ciple that is present in them, their fruit is, in many cases, a favourite food ; that
of the Amygdalus (peach and nectarine), Prunus (plum and apricot), and Ce-
rasus (cherry), are among the most delicious with which we are acquainted ;
the seed of Amygdalus is familiar to us under the name of almonds, and its
oil under the name of oil of almonds. The bark of the root of Cerasus capol-
lim is used in Mexico against dysentery. Dec. The leaves of Prunus spinosa ■
(sloe), and Cerasus avium (wild cherry), have been employed as a substitute
for tea. Ibid. The former are well known to afford one of the means used in
Europe for adulterating the black tea of China. Prunus domestica, or the com-
mon plum, yields those fruits sold in the shops under the name of prunes, which
are chiefly prepared in France, from the varieties called the St. Catherine and
the green-gage ; and in Portugal from a sort which derives its name from the
village of Guimaraens, where they are principally dried. They contain so
large a quantity of sugar, that brandy is distilled from them when fermented,
and it has even been proposed to manufacture sugar from them. A. R. The
kernel of Prunus brigantiaca yields a fixed oil, called Huih des Marmottes
which is used instead of olive or almond oil. Ibid. The bark of Prunus spi-
81
nosa is one of the substances that has been reported to resemble Jesuits' bark
in its effects. Ibid. Prunus cocomilia yields a bark, the febrifugal properties
of which are spoken of very highly. According to M. Tenore, it is a specific
for the cure of the dangerous intermittent fevers of Calabria, where it grows.
A variety of Cerasus avium is used for the preparation, in the Vosges and the
Black Forest, of the liqueur known under the name of Kirschenwasser. The
flowers of Amygdalus persica (peach) are gently laxative, and are used advan-
tageously for children. The kernel of Cerasus oceidentalis is used for flavour-
ing the liqueur Noyau. [The wood of C. virginiana is much employed in the
United States for cabinet work. It is nearly equal to the inferior kinds of ma-
hogany.]
Examples. Prunus, Amygdalus, Cerasus.
LXXVI. CHRYSOBALANEvE. The Cocoa-Plum Tribe.
Chrysobalaneje, R. Broun, in Tuckey's Voyage to the Congo, App. (1818); Dec. Prodr. 2.
525. a sect, of Rosacea? (1825); Reichenb. Conspectus, 171, a sect, of Onagrarise (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with a superior solitary ovarium,
having a style proceeding from its base, irregular perigynous petals and sta-
mens, a drupaceous fruit adhering obliquely to the calyx, exalbuminous definite
erect seeds, and alternate stipulate simple leaves.
Anomalies. Hirtella has fleshy albumen and leafy cotyledons, according
to Gsertner ; and one species of the same genus is described as apetalous.
Cycnia has a semipetaloid irregular calyx and no petals.
Essential Character. — Calyx 5-lobed, sometimes bracteolate at the base. Petals more
or less irregular, either 5 or none. Stamens either definite or indefinite, usually irregular
either in size or position. Ovarium superior, solitary, 1- or 2-cclled, cohering' more or less on
one side with the calyx ; ovula twin, erect ; style single, arising' from the base; stigma simple.
Fruit a drupe of 1 or 2 cells. Seed usually solitary, erect. Embryo with fle3hy cotyledons,
and no albumen. — Trees or Shrubs. Leaves simple, alternate, stipulate, with no glands, and
veins that run parallel with each other from the midrib to the margin. Floiccrs in racemes,
or panicles, or corymbs.
Affinities. The obvious affinity of this order is with Amygdalea*, from
which it differs in having irregular stamens and petals, and a style proceeding
from the base of the ovarium. With Rosacea?, to which Chrysobalanese have
a strict relation, they agree in the same manner as Amygdalea?, excepting the
characters just pointed out. To Leguminosas, with drupaceous fruit, they
approach closely in the irregularity of their stamens and corolla, and especially
in the cohesion which takes place between the stalk of the ovarium and the
sides of the calyx ; a character found, as M. Dccandolle well remarks, in Jo-
nesia and Bauhinia, undoubted leguminous plants : they are distinguished
from this latter order by the position of their style and ovula, and by the rela-
tion which is borne to the axis of inflorescence by the odd lobe of the calyx
being the same as is found in Rosacese. Brown remarks (Congo, 434), that
the greater part of the order has the flowers more or less irregular, and that the
simple ovarium of Parinarium has a dissepiment in some degree analogous to
the moveable dissepiment of Banksia and Dryandra ; but we now know, from
the more recent observations of this learned botanist upon the ovulum, that this
dissepiment arises differently. The analogy of structure, as to the dissepiment
of Parinarium, is to be sought in Amelanchier.
85
Geography. These plants are principally found in the tropical regions of
Africa and America : none are recorded as natives of Asia ; but there is reason
to believe, from specimens of large trees seen in the forests of India, without
flowers or fruit, by Dr. Waltich. that one or two species of Parinarium are indi-
genous in Equinoctial Asia ; and my genus Cycnia, founded upon a spiny
plant from Nipal {Wall. Cat. Herb. Intl.), is apparently referable to this order.
One species of Chrysobalanus is found as far to the north as the pine barrens
of Georgia in North America ; a climate, however, as in all the regions bound-
ing the Gulf of Mexico on the norfh, much more heated than that of most
other countries in the same parallel of latitude.
Properties. No medicinal properties have been ascribed to Chrysoba-
laneae. The fruit of Chrysobalanus Icaco is eaten in the West Indies, under
the name of the cocoa-plum ; another is brought to market in Sierra Leone
(C. luteus) ; and the Rough-skinned, or Gray, plum of the same colony is the
produce of Parinarium excelsum. The kernel of Parinarium campestre and
montanum is said by Aublet to be sweet and good to eat.
Examples. Chrysobalanus, Parinarium, Hirtella.
LXXVII. LEGUMINOSiE. The Pea Tribe.
Leguminosje, Juss. Gen. 345. (1789) ; Brown Diss. (1822) ; Dec. Prodr. 2. 93. (1825) ; Lindl.
Synops. 75. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with a terminal style and solitary
simple superior ovarium, perigynous definite stamens, exalbuminous seeds, peri-
tropal ovula, leguminous fruit, and alternate stipulate leaves.
Anomalies. The Detariurns are apetalous and drupaceous. Ceratonia,
Copaifera, and five or six other genera, are also apetalous. Some Mimoses
are monopetalous ; the latter section and Swartzies have usually also hypo-
gynous stamens. Diphaca and a species of Ceesalpinia have regularly 2 ova-
ria. Ormosia has 2 stigmas. Dec. Sophora, Myrospermum, and some others,
have no stipulre. Some have opposite leaves.
Essential Chahacter. — Calyx 5-parted, toothed, or cleft, inferior, with the odd segment
anterior ; the segments often unequal, and variously combined. Petals 5, or by abortion 4, 3,
2, 1, or none, inserted into the base of the calyx, either papilionaceous or regularly spreading-;
the odd petal posterior. Stamens definite or indefinite, perigynous, either distinct or monadel-
phous, or diadelphous ; very seldom triadelphous ; anthers versatile. Ovarium simple, supe-
rior, 1-celled, 1- or many-seeded; style simple, proceeding from the upper margin; stigma
simple. Fruit either a legume or a drupe. Seeds attached to the upper suture, solitary or
several, occasionally with an arillus ; embryo destitute of albumen, either straight or with the
radicle bent upon the cotyledons ; cotyledons either remaining under ground in germination,
or elevated above the ground, and becoming green like leaves.— Herbaceous plants, shrubs, or
vast trees, extremely variable in appearance. Leaves alternate, most commonly compressed;
petiole tumid at the base. Slipulce 2 at the base of the petiole, and 2 at the base of each leaflet.
Pedicels usually articulated, with 2 bracteolai under the flower.
Affinities. The most common feature is, to have what are called
papilionaceous flowers ; and when these exist, no difficulty is experienced in
recognizing the order, for papilionaceous flowers are found no where else.
Another and a more invariable character is to have a leguminous fruit ; and by
one of these two characters all the plants of the family are known. It is
remarkable, however, for the complete obliteration of one or the other of these
distinctions in many cases. Mimosa and its allies have, instead of the irregular
arrangement which characterizes a papilionaceous flower, its parts of fructifi-
86
cation disposed with the utmost symmetry ; and Detarium, instead of a legume,
bears a fruit not distinguishable from a drupe. This last circumstance is
easily to be understood, if we bear in mind that a legume and a drupe differ
more in name than reality, the latter being formed upon precisely the same
plan as the former, but with this modification, that its pericarpium is thickened,
more or less fleshy on the outside and stony on the inside, 1-seeded, and inde-
hiscent. Hence some of the regular-flowered genera with distinct stamens may
be said to be Rosaceous in flower, and Leguminous in fruit. Simple, there-
fore, as the diagnosis of the order usually is, Mr. Brown is perfectly correct in
asserting that, until he indicated the difference of the position of the odd lobe
of the calyx in Leguminosa? and Rosacese (Amygdaleas), no positive character
had been discovered to distinguish the one order from the other. The presence
of stipule at the base of the leaflets of the compound leaves of Leguminosse
is a character in the vegetation by which they may be known from Rosaceae.
Myroxylon agrees with Samydea; in the remarkable glandular marking of the
leaves, in which the pellucid spaces are both round and linear — a very singular
and uncommon character, which was first pointed out by Mr. Brown. Congo
444. Very few double flowers are known in this order : those of Spartium
junceum and Ulex europreus are the most remarkable : the nature of the latter
I have described in detail in the Trans, of the Hort. Soc. vol. 7. p. 237. Two
ovaria are common in Wisteria sinensis ; and the same phenomenon is to be
seen, according to Decandolle, in Gleditschia : it appears also to be normal in
Diphaca and Cresalpinia digyna. M. Aug. St. Hilaire is said (Dec. Mem. 52)
to have found a Mimosa in Brazil with 5 carpella : on account of these, and
other circumstances, M. Decandolle assumes the carpellum of Leguminosee to
be solitary by abortion, and that a whorl of 5 is that which is necessary to
complete the symmetry of the flowers. Of the accuracy of this view I am sa-
tisfied ; but I think it might have been proved as satisfactorily from analogy,
without the aid of such instances. In consequence of the highly irritable
nature of the leaves of many of the plants of this order, and of the tendency
to irritability discoverable in them all, some botanists have placed them at the
extremity of their system, in contact with the limits of the animal kingdom.
See Jlgardh Classes, p. 4, and Martins, H. R. M. p. 176. For observations
upon the nature of this irritability, see Diitrochet sur la Motility, Paris, 1824,
in which the author endeavors to show that the motion is the effect of galvanic
agency ; and the same writer's JYouvelles RechercJies sur V Exosmose, <£c, in
which he alters the explanation of the manner in which galvanism produces
the motion, adhering, however, to his opinion of that subtle principle being the
real agent. This ingenious naturalist might have been satisfied with attri-
buting the phenomenon to an inherent vital action, without puzzling himself with
a vain search after first causes, which always leaves the most successful inquirei
exactly where he set out. For remarks upon the order in general, see M. De-
candolle's valuable Memoire, published in Paris in 1825-6, in one thick
volume 4 to. The relation that is borne by this order to Chrysobalaneas and
Amygdalere has been already explained under those orders. To the tribes for-
merly included under the name of Terebintacere, Leguminosaj are nearly allied
in many important circumstances, but are distinguished by their stipules, which
nevertheless exist in Canarium among Burseraceee, and which do not exist in
Sophora, a genuine, and Myrospermum, a spurious Leguminous genus. The
affinity of the latter to Amyridea? is, however, so great, that it appears to me
very questionable whether it ought not to be absolutely referred to that order
rather than to Leguminosae. With Xanthoxyleae they are allied through
Ailanthus. The monadelphous stamens, irregular flowers, occasional simple
ovarium, style, and stigma of Polygaleae, are all so many points of affinity
with Le/niminosae.
87
In many respects this order is one of the most important which the botanist
can study, but especially as it serves to show how little real importance ought
to be attached to dehiscence of fruit in determining the limits of natural orders.
What may be called the normal fruit of Leguminosae is a legume, that is to
say, a dry simple ovarium, with a suture running along both its margins, so
that at maturity it separates through the middle of each suture into two valves;
but every conceivable degree of deviation from this type occurs : the Arachis
and many more are indehiscent ; Detarium is drupaceous ; in Charmichaelia
the valves separate from the suture, which remains entire, like the replum of
Cruciferae ; in all Lomentaceous genera, such as Ornithopus, the valves are
indehiscent in the line of the suture, but separate transversely; in Entada a
combination of the peculiarities of Carmichaelia and Lomentaceas occurs ; and,
finally, in Haematoxylon the valves adhere by the suture and split along the
axis. The divisions which have been proposed in this extensive order are of
unequal value ; it is possible that two of them, namely, Mimosas and Caesalpi-
nieae may deserve, as Mr. Brown seems to think, the rank of independent
orders ; for they really appear to be of the same importance with reference to
Papilionaceae, as Amygdaleae and Pomaceae are with respect to Rosaceae, or
as Amyrideae, Connaraceae, Anacardiaceae, and Burseraceae, with respect to
each other. I give them, however, as I find them in Decandolle.
His first and most important division depends upon the form of the embryo,
out of which arise the divisions called Curvembriae and Rectembriae ; viz.
CURVEMBRIJE.
Radicle bent back upon the cotyledons.
These are distinguished into two tribes by the structure of their flowers,
viz.
Tribe 1. Swartzieje.
Calyx bladdery, with indistinct lobes. Stamens hypogynous. Corolla none,
or petals only 1 or 2.
Examples. Swartzia, Baphia.
Tribe 2. Papilionaceae.
Calyx with distinct lobes. Stamens perigynous. Corolla papilionaceous.
Examples. Vicia, Pisum, Sophora.
The germination of this tribe varies thus : — some of the species push their
cotyledons above ground, which become green, resembling leaves ; arid of these
none bear seeds which are eaten by man or animals ; others germinate with
their cotyledons under ground, and it is among these only that all the kinds
which bear what we call pulse are found ; the former Decandolle calls Phyllo-
lobece, and they are divided by him into sections, viz. 1. § Sophoreae, 2. § Lo-
teae, 3. § Hedysarea? ; the latter he designates as Sarcolobece, which compre-
hend, 4. § Vicieae, 5. § Phaseoleae, 6. § Dalbergiese.
RECTEMBRIJE.
Radicle of the embryo straight.
The tribes are known by the position of their stamens and the aestivation of
their petals.
Tribe 3. Mimose^e.
Sepals and petals valvate in aestivation. Stamens hypogynous.
Examples. Acacia, Mimosa, Inga.
Tribe 4. CjesalpiniejE.
Petals imbricated in aestivation, and stamens perigynous.
Examples. Arachis, Ceesalpinia, Cassia.
Of the genera comprehended in this tribe, those which have petals, and their
stamens variously combined, are called § Geoffrieae ; such as have petals, the
stamens being distinct, are § Cassieee ; and a couple of genera, with drupa-
ceous fruit and no petals, constitute § Detariese.
The reader is referred to the 2d volume of Decandolle's Prodromus for fur-
ther information upon these divisions.
Geography. The geographical distribution of this order has been consi-
dered with great care by Decandolle, from whom I take the substance of what
follows.
One of the first things that strikes the observer is, that if a number of genera
of Leguminosae have as extensive a range as those of other orders, there is a
very considerable number of which the Geographical limits are clearly denned.
Thus the genera of New Holland are in most cases unknown beyond that vast
island ; the same may be said of North and South America, and the Cape of
Good Hope; and there are between 14 and 15 genera unknown beyond the
limits of Europe and the neighbouring borders of Asia and Africa. About 92
genera out of 280 are what are called sporadic, or dispersed over different and
widely separated regions, such as Tephrosia, Acacia, Glycine, and Sophora.
The species are found more or less in every part of the known world, with the
exception, perhaps, of the island of Tristan d'Acugna and St. Helena, neither
of which do they inhabit ; but they are distributed in extremely unequal pro-
portions ; in general they diminish sensibly in approaching the pole, especially
the Rectembriae, which are unknown in northern regions. This will be appa-
rent from the following table :
Europe, with the exception of the Mediterranean
Siberia
United States .
China, Japan, and Cochinchina ....
Levant ........
Basin of the Mediterranean
Canaries
Arabia and Egypt
Mexico
West Indies
East Indies
Curvembr.
184
128
167
64
247
466
21
78
90
134
330
Equinoctial America 246
Equinoctial Africa
New Holland
Isles of Southern Africa
South America beyond the tropics . . .
Cape of Good Hope
South Sea Islands
81
154
29
18
334
11
Rectembr.
0
1
16
13
3
2
0
9
62
87
122
359
49
75
13
11
19
2
This distribution, if condensed, will give the following results :
Equinoctial zone
Beyond the trophies to the north
— - south
910
1277
417
692
35
107
Properties. This order is not only among the most extensive that are
known, but also one of the most important to man, with reference to the objects
either of ornament, of utility, or of nutriment, which it comprehends. When
we reflect that the Cercis, which renders the gardens oY Turkey resplendent
with its myriads of purple flowers ; the Acacia, not less valued for its airy
foliage and elegant blossoms than for its hard and durable wood ; the Brazi-
letto, Logwood, and Rosewoods of commerce ; the Laburnum ; the classical
Cytisus ; the Furze of the Broom, both the pride of- the otherwise dreary
heaths of Europe ; the Bean, the Pea, the Vetch, the Clove, the Trefoil, the
Lucerne, all staple articles of culture by the farmer,are all species of Legumi-
S9
nosae ; and that the Gums Arabic and Kino, and various precious medicinal
drugs, not to mention Indigo, the most useful of all dyes, are products of other
species, — it will be perceived that it would be difficult to point out an order with
greater claims upon the attention. It would be in vain to attempt to enume-
rate all its useful plants or products, in lieu of which I shall speak of the most
remarkable, and of those which are least known.
The beauty of Dr. Wallich's Amherstia nobilis, a large tree bearing pendu-
lous racemes of deep scarlet flowers, is unequalled in the vegetable kingdom.
The general character of the order is to be eminently wholesome ; but there
are some singular exceptions to this. The seeds of Lathyrus Aphaca are said
to produce intense headach if eaten abundantly : the seeds of the Laburnum
are poisonous ; they contain a principle called Cytisine. The root of a species
of Mimosa, called Spongia, is accounted a poison in Brazil. Ed. P. J. 14.
267. The leaves and branches of Tephrosia are used for intoxicating fish ;
the leaves of Omithopus scorpioides are capable of being employed as vesica-
tories. The juice of Coronilla varia is poisonous. Dec. The powerful pur-
gative effects of Senna are possessed also by other species, even by Colutea
arborescens and Coronilla emerus. Cassia marilandica is found in North
America a useful substitute for the Alexandrian Senna. Barion,l. 143. [Bige-
low, 2. 166.] The Senna of the shops consists, according to M. Delile, of
Cassia acutifolia, Cassia Senna, and Cynanchum Argel. He says the Cassia
lanceolata of Arabia does not yield the Senna of commerce. The active prin
ciple of Senna is called Cathartine. It was discovered by MM. Lassaigne
and Fenuelle. Ed. P. J.7. 389. Purgative properties are also found in the
pulp within the fruit of Cathartocarpus fistula and Ceratonia siliqua, of Mimo-
sa fagifolia, and also of the Tamarind, the preserved pulp of which is so well
known as a delicious confection. Malic acid exists in the Tamarind, mixed
with tartaric and citric acids. Turner, 634. The same may be said of Inga
faeculifera, or the Poisdoux, of St. Domingo, that bears pods filled with a sweet
pulp, which the natives use. Hamilt. Prodr. 62. The roots of the liquorice
contain an abundance of a sweet subacrid mucilaginous juice, which is much
esteemed as a pectoral ; similar qualities are ascribed to Trifolium alpinum
roots. The root of Abrus precatorius possesses exactly the properties of the
liquorice root of the shops. .Sinslie, 2. 79. In Java it is found demulcent.
The seeds are considered by some as ophthalmic and cephalic, externally ap-
plied. The roots of Beans, Genistas, Ononis, Guilandina Nuga and Moringa,
Anthyllis cretica, &c. are diuretic. Dec. Those of Dolichos tuberosus and
bulbosus, and Lathyrus tuberosus, are wholesome food. Some are reported to
produce powerfully bitter and tonic effects. Various species of Geoffrasa, the
bark of iEschynomene grandiflora and of Caesalpinia Bonduccella are of this
class. The kernels of Guilandina Bonduccella are very bitter, and are sup-
posed by the native doctors of India to possess powerful tonic virtues. When
pounded small and mixed with castor oil, they form a valuable external appli-
cation in incipient hydrocele. Ainslie, 2. 136. The leaves area valuable discu-
tient, fried with a little castor oil, in cases of hernia humoralis. Ibid. The
bark of Acacia Arabica is considered in India a powerful tonic ; a decoction of
its pods is used as a substitute for that of the seeds of Mimosa saponaria for
washing. Ibid. 2. 142. The root of Hedysarum sennoides is accounted in
India tonic and stimulant. Ibid. 2. 53. These powers are probably connected
with the astringent and tanning properties of several others. Some of the
Algarobas or Prosopises of the western part of South America bear fruit, the
pericarp of which consists almost wholly of tannin. The bark of some of the
species of Acacia abound to such a degree in tanning principles as to have be-
come objects of commercial importance. In 1824 some tons of the extract of
Acacia bark were imported from New South Wales for the use of tanners.
22
90
JEd. P. J. 11. 266. The pods of Cassia Sabak and Acacia nilotica are used in
Nubia for tanning. Delile Cent. 10. The valuable astringent substance,
called Catechu, or Terra Japonica, is procured by boiling and evaporating the
brown heart-wood of Acacia Catechu, or Khair Tree : it is obtained by simply
boiling the chips in water -until the inspissated juice has acquired a proper con-
sistency; the liquor is then strained, and soon coagulates into a mass. Breiv-
ster, 5. 349. Gum Kino is the produce of Pterocarpus erinacea R. Br., Gum
Dragon and Sandalwood of Pterocarpus Draco and Santalinus, Gum Lac of
Erythrina monosperma, Gum Anime of Hjmenaea Courbaril Dec, Gum Arabic
is yielded by Acacia senegalensis and some others, Gum Tragacanthby Astra-
galus creticus and similar species. According to Mr. Don (Prodr. no. 247.),
the Manna of Arabia is produced by several species of Hedysarum, related to
H. Alhagi. The Dalbergia monetaria of Linnaeus yields a resin very similar
to Dragon's Blood. Mnslie, 1.115. A similar juice is yielded by Butea fron-
dosa and superba. Dec. Among the woods of trees of this order, the most
important is that of the Locust Tree, Robinia pseudacacia, which is a light
bright yellow, hard and durable,but brittle. The Brazil wood of commerce is ob-
tained from Csesalpinia Braziliensis. The fine Jacaranda, or Rosewood of com-
merce, so called because when fresh it has a faint but agreeable smell of roses,
is produced by a species of Mimosa in the forests of Brazil. Pr. Max. Trav. 69.
Among dyes are Indigo, produced by all Indigoferas and some Galegas, Log-
wood, the wood of Hsematoxylon campeachianum, and the red dye yielded by
several Cffisalpinias. The colouring matter of Logwood is a peculiar princi-
ple, called Haematin. The wood of Pterocarpus santalinus yields a deep red
colouring matter ; it is known in commerce under the name of Saunders Wood.
Mnslie, 1. 386. All the species of the genus Copaifeia, and 16 are known,
yield the Balsam of Copaiva ; but it is not in all of them of equal quality. C.
multijuga is said by Von Martins to afford the greatest abundance. Hayne in
Linuoza, 1826, 418. The Balsam is known in Venezuela under the name of
Tacamahaca. Dec. Prodr. 2. 508. Myroxylon peruiferum, the Gluinquino
of Peru, produces a fragrant resin, in much use both for burning as a perfume,
and for medicinal purposes, called the Balsam of Tolu. Lamberts Illustration,
95. Both it and the Balsam of Peru are also yielded, according to Ach. Rich-
ard, by M. toluiferum. Jinn, des Sc. 2. 172. The root of Clitoria Ternatea
is emetic. Mnslie, 2, 140. The seed of Psoralea corylifolia is considered by
the native practitioners of India stomachic and deobstruent. Ibid. 141. Ac-
cording to Dr. Horsfield, the Acacia scandens of Java is classed among the
emetics. Ibid. 2. 108. The roots and herbage of Baptisia tmctoria have
been found to possess antiseptic and subastringent properties. They have
also a cathartic and emetic effect. Barton, 2. 57. The seeds of Cassia au-
riculata are considered by the Indian doctors as refrigerant and attenuant.
Mnslie, 2. 32. The leaves of Coronilla picta are highly esteemed among the
Hindoos, on account of the virtues they are said to possess in hastening&sup-
puration when applied in the form of a poultice, that is, simply made warm,
and moistened with a little castor oil. Ibid. 2. 64. The seeds of Parkia afri-
cana are roasted as we roast coffee, then bruised, and allowed to ferment in
water. When they begin to become putrid, they are well washed and pounded :
the powder is made into cakes, somewhat in the fashion of our chocolate ;
they form an excellent sauce for all kinds of meat. The farinaceous matter
surrounding the seeds forms a pleasant, drink, and they also make it into a
sweetmeat. Brown in Dcnham, 29. The irritating effects of the hairs which
clothe the pods of Dolichos pruriens, or Cowhage, are well known. A strong
infusion of the root of the same plant, sweetened with honey, is used by the
native practitioners of India in cases of cholera morbus. Mnslie, 1. 93. The
native practitioners in India prescribe the dried buds and young flowers of Bau-
91
hinia tomentosa in certain dysenteric affections. Ibid. 2. 48. A decoction of
the bitter root of Galega purpurea (Tephrosia) is prescribed by the Indian
doctors in cases of dyspepsia, lientery, and tympanitis. Ibid. 2. 49. The
powdered leaf of Indigofera Anil is used in hepatitis. Ibid. 1. 179. The
volatile oil of the Coumarouma odorata, or Tonka Bean, has been ascertained
to be a peculiar principle called Coumarin. It was mistaken by M. Vogel for
Benzoic acid. Turner, 660. It may be found in a crystallized state between
the skin and the kernel, and exists abundantly in the flowers of Melilotus offici-
nalis. Ed. P. J. 3. 407. It has been found that a peculiar acid, called Carba-
zotic, is formed by the action of nitric acid upon Indigo. Turner, 641. Sul-
phur exists in combination with different bases in peas and beans. Ed. P. J.
14. 172. The leaves of the Phaseolus trilobus (called Sem, or Simbi) are
considered by Indian practitioners cooling, sedative, antibilious, and tonic, and
useful as an application to weak eyes. Trans. M. and P. Soc. Calc. 2. 406.
LXXVIII. URTICEiE. The Nettle Tribe.
Ubtice-e, Jus. Gen. 400. (1789) ; Lindley's Synopsis, 218. (1829).— Cjenosanthe.b and Cam-
nabinje, Blume Bijdr. (1825.) both sections of Urticese.
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite erect ovula, an inferior
calyx, distinct stipule, and an embryo with the radicle remote from the hilum.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoecious or dioecious, scattered or clustered. Calyx
membranous, lobed, persistent. Stamens definite, distinct, inserted into the base of the calyx,
and opposite its lobes ; anthers curved inwards in aestivation, curving backwards with elasticity
when bursting-. Ovarium superior, simple; ovule solitary, erect; stigma simple. Fruit a
simple indehiscent nut, surrounded either by the membranous or fleshy calyx. Embryo
straight, curved, or spiral, with or without albumen ; radicle superior, and therefore remote
from the hilum ; cotyledons lying face to face. — Trees, or shrubs, or herbs. Leaves alternate
with stipuke, hispid or scabrous, often covered with pungent hairs.
Affinities. The position of the ovulum, the want of milk, the flowers
being arranged in loose racemes or panicles, not in fleshy heads, and their ha-
bit, distinguish Urticea from Artocarpere. From Polygoneae they are known
by their want of stipula?, from Chenopodeae and Scleranthese by their stinging
or scabrous surface, the position of the radicle, and their elastic stamens ; and
from Euphorbiacere by the simplicity of their ovarium ; from Betalinese by the
presence of a calyx, and from Cupuliferse by their superior simple ovarium.
They agree with the two latter orders remarkably in stipulation.
Geography. Widely dispersed over every part of the world; appearing in the
most northern regions, and in the hottest climate of the tropics ; growing now
upon dry walls, where there is scarcely nutriment for a moss or a lichen, and
inhabiting thedampest recesses of the forest.
Properties. The tenacity of the fibres of many species is such that cord-
age has been successfully manufactured from them. The leaves of Hemp
are powerfully narcotic. The Turks know its stupifying qualities under the
name of Malach. Linnaeus speaks of its vis narcotica, phantastica, dementens,
anodyna, and repellens. Even the Hottentots use it to get drunk with, and call
it Dacha. The Arabians name it Hashish. Ainslie, 2. 189. A most power-
fully narcotic gum-rcsin, called in Nipal Cheris or Cherris,is supposed to be ob-
tained from a variety of Cannabis sativa. Ibid. 2. 73. The effects of the
venomous sting of the common nettles, Urtica dioica, urens, and pilulifera of
92
Europe, are too well known. Their effects are, however, not to be compared
for an instant with those of some Indian species. M. Leschenault (M&m. Mus.
6. 362.) thus describes the effect of gathering Urtica crenulata in the Botanic
Garden at Calcutta : — " One of the leaves slightly touched the first three fingers
of my left hand : at the time I only perceived a slight pricking, to which I paid
no attention. This was at seven in the morning. The pain continued to in-
crease ; in an hour it had become intolerable : it seemed as if some one was
rubbing my fingers with a hot iron. Nevertheless, there was no remarkable
appearance ; neither swelling, nor pustule, nor inflammation. The pain rapidly
spread along the arm, as far as the armpit. I was then seized with frequent
sneezing and with a copious running at the nose, as if I had caught a violent
cold in the head. About noon I experienced a painful contraction of the back
of the jaws, which made me fear an attack of tetanus. I then went to bed,
hoping that repose would alleviate my suffering ; but it did not abate ; on the
contrary, it continued during nearly the whole of the following night ; but I
lost the contraction of the jaws about seven in the evening. The next morning
the pain began to leave me, and I fell asleep I continued to suffer for two days;
and the pain returned in full force when I put my hand into water. I did not
finally lose it for nine days." A similar circumstance occurred, with precisely
the same symptoms, to a workman in the Calcutta Garden. This man de-
scribed the sensation, when wrater was applied to the stung part, as if boiling
oil was poured over him. Another dangerous species was found by the same
botanist in Java, (U. stimulans,) but its effects were less violent. Both these
seem to be surpassed in virulence by a nettle called daoun setan, or devil's leaf,
in Timor ; the effects of which are said, by the natives, to last for a year, and
even to cause death.
The common Hop, Humulus lupulus, is a rather anomalous genus of this
order, remarkable, as is well known, for its bitterness ; the active principle of it
is called by chemists, Lupulin. [Dr. A. W. Ives, in Silliman's Jour.]
Examples. Urtica, Parietaria, Bohmeria.
LXXIX. ULMACE.E. The Elm Tribe.
Ulmaceje, MrbelElem. 90S. (1815); Lindl. Synops. 225. (1829.)— Celtjdeje, Rich.
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite suspended ovula, solitary
or loosely clustered flowers, a 2-celled indehiscent fruit, and alternate stipulate
scabrous leaves.
Anomalies.
Essential Chad acter. — Flowers monoclinous or polygamous. Calyx divided, campanu-
late, inferior. Stamens definite, inserted into the base of the calyx ; erect in aestivation. Ova-
rium superior, 2-celled ; ovules solitary, pendulous ; stigmas 2, distinct. Fruit 1- or 2-celled,
indehisceat, membranous or drupaceous. Seeds solitary, pendulous; albumen none, or in
very small quantity ; embryo with foliaceous cotyledons ; radicle superior.— Trees or shrubs,
with scabrous, alternate, simple, deciduous leaves, and stipula:.
Affinities. Nearly related to Urticere, from which they are only distin-
guishable by the 2-celled fruit, pendulous seeds, and radicle turned towards the
hilum ; from Artocarpeae they are known by their inflorescence, dry fruit, and
double ovarium.
Geography. Natives of the north of Asia, the mountains of India, China,
North America, and Europe ; in the latter of which countries they form valua-
ble timber-trees,
93
Properties. The inner bark of the Elm is slightly bitter and astringent,
but it does not appear to possess any important quality. The substance which
exudes spontaneously from it is called Ulmin ; it is also found in the Oak,
Chestnut, and other trees, and according to Berzelius, is a constituent of most
kinds of bark. Turner, 700.
Examples. Ulmus, Celtis.
LXXX. ARTOCARPE^E. The Bread-Fruit Tribe.
ArtocabpejE, R. Brown in Congo (1818); Blume Bijdr. 479; and Pholeosanthe-e, 435,
both sections of Urticeae (1825.)— Sycoidej:, Link Handb. 1. 292. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous lactescent dicotyledons, with flowers in fleshy
heads, definite suspended ovula, alternate stipulate leaves, and radicle turned
towards the hilum.
Anomalies. Antiaris has solitary flowers, and the ovarium cohering with
the involucrum.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoecious, in heads or catkins. Calyx with an uncer-
tain number of divisions, which are often membranous ; sometimes tubular, or entire.
Stamens uncertain in number, either solitary or several, straight. Ovarium 1- or 2-celled,
superior, rarely inferior; ovulum suspended; style single, filiform; stigma bifid. Fruit
usually a fleshy receptacle, either covered by numerous nuts, lying among the persistent
fleshy calyxes, or enclosing them within its cavity ; occasionally consisting of a single nut,
covered by a succulent involucrum. Seed suspended, solitary ; embryo inverted, with its
radicle pointing to the hilum, straight or curved, with or without albumen. — Trees, shrubs,
or herbs. Leaves alternate, toothed or lobed, or entire, smooth or covered with asperities ;
stipules membranous, deciduous, convolute in vernation.
Affinities. The Fig may be taken as the type of this order, which
agrees with Urticeae in its apetalous flowers, scabrous alternate leaves, and
membranous stipulae ; but which differs in its habit and milky juice, and in the
position of the ovulum, which is constantly suspended, not erect. Mr. Brown,
indeed, in his Appendix to the Congo Expedition, says that in Artocarpeae
" the ovulum, which is always solitary, is erect, while the embryo is inverted
or pendulous." But this statement must be an oversight : I have constantly
found the ovulum suspended in Artocarpus incisa, Maclura aurantiaca, Ficus
Carica, and other species, and in all the Dorstenias, in the whole of which
there is a very conspicuous foramen immediately against the point of attach-
ment of the ovulum.
Geography. Natives of all parts of the tropics, particularly of the East
Indies ; a few species, in the form of Morus and Maclura, and the cultivated
Fig, straggle northwards as far as Canada and Persia. Dorstenias are
remarkable for being herbaceous Brazilian weeds, in an order composed other-
wise of trees or shrubs.
Properties. The Fig, the Bread-fruit, the Jack, and the Mulberry, are
all found here, and are a curious instance of wholesome or harmless plants in
an order which contains the most deadly poison in the world, the Upas of
Java ; the juice, however, of even those which have wholesome fruit, is acrid
and suspicious ; and in a species of Fig, Ficus toxicaria, is absolutely venom-
ous. The juice of all of them contains a greater or less abundance of
caoutchouc, and the Cecropia peltata is reported to yield American caoutchouc.
But Humboldt doubts whether this is the fact, as its juice is difficult to inspis-
sate. Cinch. For. p. 44. The seeds of a plant nearly allied to Cecropia,
94
called Musanga by the Africans of the Gold Coast, as well as those of Arto-
carpus, are eatable as nuts. The famous Cow Tree, or Palo de Vacca, of
South America, which yields a copious supply of a rich and wholesome milk,
belongs to this order : it is supposed to be related to Brosimum. Brosimum
alicastrum abounds in a tenacious gummy milk ; its leaves and young shoots
are much eaten by cattle, but when they become old they cease to be innocu-
ous. The roasted nuts are used instead of bread, and have much the taste of
Hazel nuts. Swartz, 1. 19. A kind of paper is manufactured from Brous-
sonetia papjnrifera. The bark of the Moms alba contains moroxylic acid in
combination with lime. Turner, 640. Fustick, a yellow dye, is the wood of
Moms tinctoria. [The Madura aurantiaca of Nuttall, (Osage apple of
Lewis and Clark,) bears a globular compound fruit as large as a middle sized
orange, but it is not eatable ; the wood is much esteemed by the Osage Indians
for making their bows : it aiso dyes yellow, and much resembles the Fustick of
the West Indies.] The seeds of Ficus religiosa are supposed by the doctors
of India to be cooling and alterative. Ainslie, 2. 25. The leaves of Ficus
septica are emetic. Ibid. The Cochin-chinese consider that plant caustic
and anthelmintic. The bark of Ficus racemosa is slightly astringent, and
has particular virtues in hematuria and menorrhagia. The juice of its root
is considered a powerful tonic. Ibid. 2. 31. The white glutinous juice of
Ficus indica is applied to the teeth and gums, to ease the toothache ; it is also
considered a valuable application to the soles of the feet when cracked and
inflamed. The bark is supposed to be a powerful tonic, and is administered by
the Hindoos in diabetes. Ibid. 2. 11. Gum lac is obtained from the Ficus
indica in great abundance. The tenacity of life in some plants of this family
is remarkable. A specimen of Ficus australis lived and grew suspended in
the air, without earth, in one of the hothouses in the Botanic Garden, Edin-
burgh, for eight months, without experiencing any apparent inconvenience.
Ed. P. J. 3. 80. The celebrated Banyan Tree of India is Ficus religiosa.
Prince Maximilian, of Wied Neuwied, says that the colossal wild Fig-trees
" are one of the most grateful presents of nature to hot countries : the shade
of such a magnificent tree refreshes the traveller when he reposes under its
incredibly wide-spreading branches, with their dark green shining foliage.
The Fig-trees of all hot countries have generally very thick trunks, with
extremely strong boughs, and a prodigious crown " Travels, p. 104. Is it
possible that the Indian poison with which the Nagas tip their arrows, of the
tree that produces which nothing is known, can belong to this tribe 1 See, for
an account of the effect of this poison, Brewster' 's Journal, 9. 219. The
poisonous property of the Upas has been found to depend upon the presence
of that most virulent of all principles, called strychnia. Turner, 650.
Examples. Artocarpus, Morus, Madura.
LXXXI. STILAGINE.E.
Stilagineje, AgardKs Classes, 199. (1824) ; Von Martius Hort. Reg. Monac. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with diclinous spiked flowers, colla-
teral pendulous ovules, solitary ovaria, 2-lobed anthers bursting vertically, and
1 -seeded fruit with an albuminous seed.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Flowers diclinous. Calyx 3- or 5-parted. CorollaO. Stamen*
2, or more, arising from a tumid receptacle; f laments capillary; anthers innate, 2-lobed,
95
with a fleshy conncctivum and vertical cells opening- transversely. Ovarium superior;
stigma sessile, 3-4 toothed. Fruit drupaceous, with 1 seed and the remains of another.
Seed suspended; embryo green, with (oliateous cotyledons, lying- in the midst of copious
fleshy albumen. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, simple, with deciduous stipula?.
Affinities. An obscure order, of the limits of which nothing has been
well made out. Judging- from the genera Stilago and Antidesma, it is very
near Cupulifera*, from which it differs chiefly in its superior ovarium and
copious fleshy albumen.
Geography. Natives of the East Indies.
Properties.
Examples. Stilago, Antidesma.
LXXXII. CUPULIFERiE. The Oak Tribe.
Cupulifehje, Rich. Anal, du Fr. (1808); IAndl. Synops. 239. (1829); Blume Flora Java.
(1829).— CoRYLACEiE, Mirb. Elem. 906. (1815.)— Q.uehcinejs. Juss. in diet. Sc. Nat. vol. 2,
Suppl. 12. (1816.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite pendulous ovules, 2 or
more in each cell, amentaceous flowers, single inferior ovaria enclosed in a
cupule, and alternate stipulate leaves with veins proceeding straight from the
midrib to the margin.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. Flowers diclinous; stamniferous amentaceous, pistilliferous
aggregate or amentaceous. Stamens 5 to 20, inserted into the base of the scales or of a mem-
branous calyx, generally distinct. Pistils: Ovaries crowned by the r diments of a superior
calyx, seated within a coriaceous involucrum (cupule) of various figure, and with several cells
and several ovules, the greater part of which are abortive ; ovules twin or solitary, pendulous;
stigmata several, sub-sessile, distinct. Fruit a bony or coriaceous 1-celled nut, more or less
enclosed in the involucrum. Seeds solitary, 2 or 3, pendulous ; embryo large, with plano-con-
vex fleshy cotyledons, and a minute superior radicle.— Trees or shrubs. Leaves with stipulas,
alternate, simple, with veins proceeding- straight from the midrib to the margin.
Affinities. These are known among European trees by their amenta-
ceous flowers and peculiarly veined leaves ; from all other plants they are dis-
tinguished by their apetalous superior rudimentary calyx, fruit enclosed in a
peculiar husk or cup, and nuts containing but 1 cell and 1 or 2 seeds, in conse-
quence of the abortion of the remainder. They are nearly akin to Salicineae
and Betulinese, from which the presence of a calyx, and, in the former case, the
veining of their leaves, distinguish them. To Urticese they are nearly allied,
but differ in their many-celled ovarium, pendulous ovula, and superior calyx.
Geography. Inhabitants of the forests of all the temperate parts of the
continent both of the Old and New World ; extremely common in Europe,
Asia, and North America ; more rare in Barbary and Chile, and the southern
parts of South America ; and unknown at the Cape. The species which are
found within the tropics of either hemisphere are chiefly Oaks, which abound
in the high lands, but are unknown in the valleys of equatorial regions.
Properties. An order which comprehends the Oak, the Hazel Nut, the
Beech, and the Spanish Chestnut, can scarcely require much to be said to a
European reader of its properties, which are of too common a use to be un-
known even to the most ignorant. Gallic acid exists abundantly in the Oak.
The leaves of Quercus falcata are employed, on account of their astringency,
externally in cases of gangrene; and the same astringent principle, which
96
pervades all the order, has caused them to be employed even as febrifuges,
tonics, and stomachics. Cork is the bark of Gtuercus suber ; it contains a pe-
culiar principle called Suberin (Turner, 700), and an acid called the Suberic
(Ibid. 641). The galls that writing ink is prepared from are the produce of
the Oak, from which they derive their astringency. The acorns of a species
known in the Levant under the name of Velonia (Gluercus eegilops) are im-
ported for the use of dyers.
Examples. Gluercus, Corylus, Fagus.
LXXXIII. BETULINE^. The Birch Tribe.
Amentaceje, Juss. Gen. 407. (1789) in part; Lindl. Synops. § 228. (1829). — Betulinejb, L.
C. Richard MSS. A. Richard. Elem. de la Bot. ed. 4. 562. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Achlamydeous dicotyledons, with a 2-celled ovarium, definite
pendulous seeds, and amentaceous flowers.
Anomalies. The staminiferous flowers have occasionally a distinct calyx.
Essential Character. — Mowers diclinous, monoecious, amentaceous; the stamniferoua
sometimes having' a membranous lobed calyx. Stamens distinct, scarcely ever monadcl-
phous ; anthers 2-celled. Ovarium superior, 2-celled ; ovules definite, pendulous ; style sin-
pie, or none; stigmas 2. Fruit membranous, indehiscent, by abortion 1- celled. Seeds pen-
dulous, naked ; albumen none; embryo straight ; radicle superior. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves
alternate, simple, with the vena primarire running straight from the midrib to the margin;
stipula deciduous.
Affinities. This order approaches more near to Urticeae and Cupuliferae
than either Plataneae or Salicinese, which may be considered dismemberments
of it. In the male flowers of several species there is a distinct membranous
calyx, very like that of Ulmus ; the seeds are definite and pendulous, and the
leaves have the same venation as Cupuliferae. It is distinguished by the 2 dis-
tinct cells of the fruit, by the want of a calyx to the female flowers, and by its
solitary pendulous seeds.
Geography. Inhabitants of the woods of Europe, Northern Asia, and
North America, and even making their appearance on the mountains of Peru
and Colombia.
Properties. Fine timber-trees, usually with deciduous leaves ; their bark
astringent, and sometimes emploj^ed as a febrifuge ; but chiefly valued for their
importance as ornaments of a landscape. Their wood is often light, and of
inferior quality, but that of the Black Birch of North America is one of the
hardest and most valuable we know.
Examples. Betula, Alnus.
LXXXIV. SALICINE.E. The Willow Tribe.
Amentaceje, Jvss. Gen. 407. (1789) in part; Lindl. Synops. § 229. (1829).— Salicinejb, L. C
Richard MSS. ; Ach. Richard. Elem. de la Bot. ed. 4. 560. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Achlamydeous dicotyledons, with a 1- or 2-celled ovarium,
indefinite comose seeds, and amentaceous flowers.
Anomalies.
97
Essential Character. — F'loircrs diclinous, either monoecious or dioecious, amentaceous.
Slamens distinct or monadelplious; anthers 2-cellcd. Ovarium superior, 1- or 2-celled ;
ovules numerous, erect, at the base of the cell, or adhering- to the lower part of the sides ; style
1 or 0 ; stigmas 2. Fruit coriaceous, 1- or 2-celled, 2-valvcd, many-seeded. Seeds either ad-
hering' to the lower part of the axis of each valve, or to the base of the cell, comose ; albumen
0; embryo erect ; radicle inferior. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, simple, with deliques-
cent venae primarire, and frequently with glands ; stipula deciduous or persistent.
Affinities. The hairy seeds, and polyspermous 2-valved fruit, distinguish
this from Betulineae, the only order with which it is likely to be confounded.
It is usually combined with that order and Cupulifera?, under the name of
Amentaceee ; but it is more consonant with modern views of division to keep
them all separate.
Geography. Natives, generally, of the same localities as Bctulinese, but
extending further to the north than the species of that order. The most
northern woody plant that is known is a kind of Willow, Salix arctica. They
are found sparingly in Barbary, and there is a species of Willow even in Se-
negal.
Properties. Valuable trees, either for their timber or for economical pur-
poses ; the Willow, the Sallow, and the Poplar, being the representatives.
Their bark is usually astringent, tonic, and stomachic ; that of Populus tre-
muloides is known as a febrifuge in the United States ; the leaves of Salix
herbacea, soaked in water, are employed in Iceland for tanning leather. Wil-
low bark has been found by Sir H. Davj' to contain as much tanning principle
as that of the Oak. Ed. P. J. 1. 320. It has lately acquired a great reputation
in France as a febrifuge. [Its active principle is a vegeto-alkali, analogous to
Q.uinia, and called Salicine by its discoverer, M ]
Examples. Populus, Salix.
LXXXV. PLATANE.E. The Plane Tribe.
Plataxeje, Lestiboudois according to Von Marlius. Hort. Reg. Monaccnsis, p. 46. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Achlanvydeous dicotyledons, with a 1-celled ovarium, pendu-
lous ovules, alternate leaves, amentaceous flowers.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers amentaceous, naked; the stamens and pistils in distinct
amenta. Stamens single, without any floral envelope, but with several small scales and ap-
Eendages mixed among them; anthers linear, 2-celled. Ovaria terminated by a thick style,
aving the stigmatic surface on one side ; ovules solitary, or two, one above the other, and
suspended. Nuts, in consequence of mutual compression, clavate, with a persistent recurved
style. Seeds solitary, or rarely in pairs, pendulous, elongated ; testa thick ; embryo long, taper,
lying in the axis of fleshy albumen, with the radicle turned to the extremity next (opposite A.
Rich.) the hilum. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, palmate, or toothed, with scarious
sheathing stipula:. Amenta round, pendulous.
Affinities. Formerly comprehended in the tribe called Amentaceae, this
order is particularly known by its round heads of flowers, its 1 -celled ovarium,
containing 1 or 2 pendulous ovula, and its embryo lying in fleshy albumen, by
which it is distinguishable from both Betulineae, Myriceae, and Artocarpea?,
with all which, especially the latter, it has a close affinity. From the latter,
indeed, it is chiefly known by the want of calyx, by the presence of albumen,
and the absence of milk ; the habit of the two orders being much the same.
According to Gaertner, the radicle is next the hilum ; according to Achille
Richard, (Diet. Class. 14. 23.,) it is at the other extremity.
23
98
Geography. Natives of Barbary, the Levant, and North America.
Properties. Noble timber-trees, the wood of which is extremely valuable ;
the bark of Platanus is remarkable for falling off in hard irregular patches — a
circumstance which arises from the rigidity of its tissue, on account of which it
is incapable of stretching as the wood beneath it increases in diameter.
Example. Platanus.
LXXXVI. MYRICEiE. The Gale Tribe.
Mybiceje, Rich. Anal, du Ft. (1808) ; Ach, Rich. Elem. de la Bot. ed. 4. 561. (1828); Lindl.
Synops. 242. (1829).— Casuaeineje, Mirbel in Ann, Mus. 16. 451. (1810); R. Brown in
Flinders, 2. 571. (1814.)
Diagnosis. Achlamydeous dicotyledons, with a 1 -celled ovarium, erect
ovules, a naked embryo, and amentaceous flowers.
Anomalies. Casuarina is leafless.
Essential Chakacteh. — Flowers diclinous, amentaceous. Stamens 1 or several, each with
a hypogynous scale. Anthers 2- or 4-celled, opening- lengthwise. Ovarium 1-celled, sur-
rounded by several hypogynous scales ; ovulum solitary, erect, with a foramen in its apex ;
stigmas 2, subulate. Fruit drupaceous, often covered with waxy secretions, formed of the hy-
pogynous scales of the ovarium, become fleshy and adherent ; or dry and dehiscent, with the
scales distinct. Seed solitary, erect; embryo without albumen; cotyledons 2, plano-convex;
radicle short, superior. — Leafy shrubs, with resinous glands and dots, the leaves alternate, sim-
ple with or without stipula? ; or leafless shrubs or trees, with filiform branches bearing
membranous toothed sheaths at the articulations.
Affinities. The nearest approach made by these plants is probably to
Ulmacea? and Betulinere, from the former of which they are readily known by
their amentaceous flowers and want of a perianthium ; from the latter they are
distinguished by their erect ovula, aromatic leaves, and 1-celled ovarium. In
the latter respect they resemble Piperacea3, from which, however, they differ
materially in other points. The only anomalous genus is Casuarina, which
has the habit of a gigantic Equisetum, and which can scarcely be compared
with any other dicotyledonous tree. Mr. Brown, in the Appendix to Flinders'
Voyage, has the following observations on the structure of this remarkable
genus, from which it will be seen that he does not consider it achlamydeous, as
I do.
"In the staminiferous flowers of all the species of Casuarina, I find an envelope
of four valves, as Lalillardiere has already observed in one species, which he
has therefore named C. quadrivalvis. Plant. Nov. Holl. 2. p. 67. t. 218. But
as the two lateral valves of this envelope cover the others in the unexpanded
state, and appear to belong to a distinct series, I am inclined to consider them
as bractese. On this supposition, which, however, I do not advance with much
confidence, the perianthium would consist merely of the anterior and posterior
valves ; and these, firmly cohering at their apices, are carried up by the anthera,
as soon as the filament begins to be produced, while the lateral valves or brae-
tea^ are persistent ; it follows from it, also, that there is no visible perianthium
in the pistilliferous flowers ; and the remarkable economy of its lateral bractese
may, perhaps, be considered as not only affording an additional argument in
support of the view now taken of the nature of the parts, but also as in some
degree again approximating Casuarina to Conifers, with which it was formerly
associated. The outer coat of the seed or caryopsis of Casuarina consists of a
very fine membrane, of which the terminal wing is entirely composed ; between
99
this membrane and the crustaceous integument of the seed, there exists a stra-
tum of spiral vessels, which Labillardiere, not having distinctly seen, has de-
scribed as an ' integumentum arachnoideum ;' and within the crustaceous in-
tegument there is a thin proper membrane, closely applied to the embryo, which
the same author has entirely overlooked. The existence of spiral vessels, par-
ticularly in such quantity, and, as far as can be determined in the dried speci-
mens, unaccompanied by other vessels, is a structure at least very unusual in
the integuments of a seed or caryopsis, in which they are very seldom at all vi-
sible ; and have never, I believe, been observed in such abundance as in this
genus, in all whose species they are equally obvious."
Geography. Found in the cold parts of Europe and North America, the
tropics of South America, the Cape of Good Hope, India, and New Holland ;
in the latter country the order is chiefly represented by Casuarina.
Properties. Aromatic shrubs, or trees of considerable size. Comptonia
asplenifolia possesses astringent and tonic properties, and is much used in the
domestic medicine of the United States, in cases of diarrhoea. Barton, 1.
224. [Rafinesque, Med. Bot. 1. 115.] The root of Myrica cerifera is a
powerful astringent, and wax is obtained in great abundance from its berries.
The fruit of Myrica sapida is about as large as a cherry, and, according to
Buchanan, is a pleasant acid and eatable in Nipal. Don, p. 56. It has a
pleasant, refreshing, acidulous taste. Wall. Tent. 60.
Examples. Myrica, Nageia, Casuarina.
LXXXVII. JUGLANDE^!. The Walnut Tribe.
Juglandejb, Dec. Theorie, 215. (1813) ; Kunth in Ann. des Sc. Nat. 2. 343. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with ascending definite ovules, amen-
taceous flowers, and a superior calyx.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers diclinous. Calyx in the staminiferous flowers oblique ,
membranous, irregularly divided, attached to a single bractea ; in the pistilliferous superior,
with 4 divisions. Petals in the staminiferous 0 ; in the pistilliferous occasionally present, and
4 in number, arising; from between the calyx and the styles, and cohering- at the base. Stamens
indefinite, (3-36,) hypogynous ; filaments very short, distinct ; anthers thick, 2-celled, innate,
bursting1 longitudinally. Disk 0. Ovarium inferior, 1-cellcd ; ooulum solitary, erect; styles
1 or 2, and very short, or none; stigmas much dilated, either 2 and lacerated, or discoid
and 4-lobed. Fruit drupaceous, 1-celled, with 4 imperfect partitions. Seed 4-lobed ; embryo
shaped like the seed; albumen 0 ; cotyledons fleshy, 2-lobed, wrinkled; radicle superior. —
Trees. Leaves alternate, unequally pinnated, without pellucid dots or stipuke. Flowers
amentaceous.
Affinities. These have usually been mixed with Terebintacea?, to which
they, however, do not appear so closely allied as to Corylacere, with which
they accord in their amentaceous monoicous flowers, and superior calyx.
Among apetalous orders, their pinnated resinous undotted leaves particularly
distinguish them.
Geography. Chiefly found in North America ; one species, the common
Walnut, is a native of the Levant and Persia ; another, of Caucasus ; and a
third, of the West India Islands.
Properties. The fruit of the Walnut is esteemed for its sweetness and
wholesome qualities. It abounds in a kind of oil, of a very drying nature.
The rind of the fruit, and even the skin of the kernel, are extremely astringent.
Juglans cathartica and cinerea are esteemed anthelmintic and cathartic ; the
100
fruit of several kinds of Hickory is eaten in America. The timber of all is
valuable ; that of J. regia for its rich deep brown colour when polished, and
that of Carya alba for its elasticity and toughness.
Examples. Juglans, Carj^a.
LXXXVIII. EUPHORBIACEiE The Euphorbium Tribe.
Euphorbia, Juss. Gen. 335. (1739.)— Euphorbiaceje, Ad. de Juss.Monogr.nS2A); Lindl.
Synops. 220. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite suspended ovules, a 3-
celled ovarium, diclinous flowers, and embryo in the midst of oily albumen.
Anomalies. Carpella occasionally 2, or more than 3.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoecious or dioecious. Calyx lobed, inferior, with
various glandular or scaly internal appendages ; (sometimes wanting.) Sterile Jlowers : Sta-
mens definite or indefinite, distinct or monadelphous; anthers 2-celled. Fertile jlowers :
Ovarium superior, sessile, or stalked, 2- 3- or more celled ; ovules solitary or twin, suspended
from the inner angle of the cell ; styles equal in number to the cells, sometimes distinct, some-
times combined, sometimes none ; stigma compound, or single with several lobes. Fruit
consisting of 2, 3, or more dehiscent cells, separating with elasticity from their common axis.
Seeds solitary or twin, suspended, with an arillus; embryo enclosed in fleshy albumen; coty-
ledons flat; radicle superior. — Trees, shrubs, or herbaceous plants, often abounding in acrid
milk. Leaves opposite or alternate, simple, rarely compound, usually with stipula;. Flowers
axillary or terminal, usually with bracteaj, sometimes enclosed within an involucrum.
Affinities. If the group of apetalous orders be considered a natural one,
Euphorbiaceas will stand by the side, or in the vicinity, of Urticese, with
which, however, they have few points in common, except the want of a
corolla ; or near Myristiceae, with which the columnar stamens of many
species, and the acridity of their juice, may be said to accord. But it is pro-
bable that the real relationship of the order is of a very different kind.
Jussieu long ago perceived a resemblance between Euphorbiacere and Rham-
neae, a resemblance which A. Brongniart has since adverted to, (J\tonogr. des
Rhamn. p. 35,) and which chiefly depends upon a similarity in habit, an em-
bryo with flat foliaceous cotyledons, solitary seeds, a great reduction in size of
the petals of Rhamnere, as if the order was tending towards an apetalous
state, and a frequent division of the fruit into three parts. Auguste St. Hilaire
(PL Usuelles, no. 18.) inquires whether they are not intermediate between
Menispermea; and Malvaceae. There can be no doubt of their relation to the
latter, that is to say, to the orders of polypetalous dicotyledons with lvypogy-
nous stamens and a valvate calyx, if we consider their general habit, espe-
cially that of the Crotons, the presence of abundance of stellate hairs, and
their definite seeds ; but these points are not sufficient to approximate the
orders very nearly : in fact, the true affinities of Euphorbiacea) cannot be said
to be at present well understood. Ach. Richard suggests some affinity with
Terebintacere, as well as Rhamneas. Eldmens, ed. 4. 558.
Geography. This extensive order, which probably does not contain fewer
than 1500 species, either described or undescribed, exists in the greatest
abundance in equinoctial America, where about 3-8ths of the whole number
have been found ; sometimes in the form of large trees, frequently of bushes,
still more usually of diminutive weeds, and occasionally of deformed, leafless,
succulent plants, resembling the Cacti in their port, but differing from them
in every other particular. In the Western world they gradually diminish as
they recede from the equator, so that not above 50 species are known in North
101
America, of which a very small number reaches as far as Canada. In tho
Old World the known tropical proportion is much smaller, arising probably
from the species of India and equinoctial Africa not having been described
with the same care as those of America ; not above an eighth having been
found in tropical Africa, including the islands, and a sixth being perhaps about
the proportion in India. A good many species inhabit the Cape, where they
generally assume a succulent habit; and there are almost 120 species from
Europe, including the basin of the Mediterranean : of these, 10 only are found
in Great Britain, and 7 in Sweden.
Properties. The excellent monograph of M. Adrien de Jussieu contains
the best information that exists upon this subject ; and I accordingly avail my-
self of it, making a few additions to his facts. The general property is that of
excitement, which varies greatly in degree, and consequently in effect. This
principle resides chiefly in the milky secretion of the order, and is most power-
ful in proportion as that secretion is abundant. The smell and taste of a few
are aromatic ; but in the greater part the former is strong and nauseous, the
latter acrid and pungent. The hairs of some species are stinging. The bark
of various species of Croton is aromatic, as Cascarilla ; and the flowers of some,
such as Caturus spiciflorus, give a tone to the stomach. Many of them act
upon the kidneys, as several species of Phyllanthus, the leaves of Mercurialis
annua, and the root of Ricinus communis. Several are asserted by authors to
be useful in cases of dropsy : some Phyllanthuses are emmenagogue. The
bark of several Crotons, the wood of Croton Tiglium and common Box, the
leaves of the latter, of Cicca disticha, and of several Euphorbias, are sudorific,
and used against syphilis ; the root of various Euphorbias, the juice of Com-
mia, Anda, Mercurialis perennis, and others, are emetic ; and the leaves of Box
and Mercurialis, the juice of Euphorbia, Commia, and Hura, the seeds of Ri-
cinus, Croton Tiglium, &c. &c, are purgative. Many of them are also dan-
gerous, even in small doses, and so fatal in some cases, that no practitioner
would dare to prescribe them ; as, for example, Manchineel. In fact, there is
a gradual and insensible transition in this order, from mere stimulants to the
most dangerous poisons. The latter have usually an acrid character, but some
of them are also narcotic, as those Phyllanthuses, the leaves of which are
thrown into water to intoxicate fish. Whatever the stimulating principle of
Euphorbiacefe may be, it seems to be of a very volatile nature, because appli-
cation of heat is sufficient to dissipate it. Thus the root of the Jathropha Mani-
hot or Cassava, which, when raw, is one of the most violent of poisons, be-
comes a wholesome nutritious article of food when roasted. In the seeds the
albumen is harmless and eatable, but the embryo itself is acrid and dangerous.
Independently of this volatile principle, there are two others belonging to the
order, which require to be noticed : the first of these is Caoutchouc, that most
innocuous of all substances, produced by the most poisonous of all families,
which may be almost said to have given a new arm to surgery, and which has
become an indispensable necessary of life ; it exists in Artocarpere and else-
where, but is chiefly the produce of species of Euphorbiaceee. The other is
the preparation called Turnsol, which, although chiefly obtained from Crozo-
phora (Croton) tinctoria, is to be procured equally abundantly from many other
plants of the order.
The properties of Euphorbiaceaj are so important, that I do not think I should
fulfil the object of this work, if I did not, in addition to the foregoing general
view of the order, add a detailed list of the qualities of the most important
species named by writers.
Acalypha Cupameni, an Indian herb, has a root which, bruised in hot wa-
ter, is cathartic ; a decoction of its leaves is also laxative. Rheede, 10. 161.
The nut of Aleurites ambinux is eatable and aphrodisiac, but rather indigesti-
102
ble. Commers. according to Ad. de J. The nuts of another species are eaten
in Java and the Moluccas : but they are intoxicating, unless they are roasted.
Humph. The Anda of Brazil is famous for the purgative qualities of its seeds,
which are fully as powerful as those of the Palma Christi. The Brazilians
make use of them in cases of indigestion, in liver complaints, the jaundice, and
dropsy. The rind, roasted on the fire, passes as a certain remedy for diarrhoea
brought on by cold. According to Marcgraaf, the fresh rind steeped in wa-
ter communicates to it a narcotic property which is sufficient to stupify fish.
JVIartius Amcen. JWonac. p. 3. The seeds are either eaten raw, or are prepared
as an electuary ; they yield an oil, which is said, by M. Auguste St. Hilaire, to be
drying and excellent for painting ; in short, much better than nut oil. PI. Usu-
elks, 54. The bark of Briedelia spinosa, an Indian shrub, is, according to Rox-
burgh, a powerful astringent ; the leaves are greedily eaten by cattle, which,
by their means, free themselves of intestinal worms. The leaves of common
Box are sudorific and purgative ; according to Hanway, camels eat them in
Persia, but they die in consequence. Ad. de J. The flowers of Caturus spici-
florus are spoken of as a specific in diarrhcea, either taken in decoction or in
conserve. Burin. Ind. 303. The succulent fruit of Cicca disticha and race-
mosa is sub-acid, cooling, and wholesome. Its leaves are sudorific, and its seeds
cathartic. The capsules of Cluytia collina are poisonous, according to Rox-
burgh. The root and bark of Codiaeum variegatum are acrid, and excite a burn-
ing sensation in the mouth if chewed ; but the leaves are sweet and cooling.
Rumphius. The juice of Commia cochinchinensis is white, tenacious, emetic,
purgative, and deobstruent. Cautiously administered, it is a good medicine in
obstinate dropsy and obstructions. Lour. 743. The duina Blanca of Vera
Cruz is produced by the Croton Eluteria of Swartz, and is probably the Cas-
carilla of Europe. Schiede in Ann. des Sc. 18. 217. The drastic oil of Tig-
lium is expressed from the seeds of Croton Tiglium, formerly known in Europe
under the name of Grana molucca. It is said, by Dr. Ainslie, to have proved
in a singular manner emmenagogue. J\Iat. J\ted. 1. 108. A decoction of
Croton perdicipes, called Pe de Perdis, Alcamphora, and Cocallera, in different
provinces of Brazil, is much esteemed as a cure for syphilis, and as a useful
diuretic. PI. Us. 59. The root of another species, called Velame do Campo,
C. campestris, has a purgative root, also employed against syphilitic disorders.
lb. 60. The leaves of a species of Croton (C. gratissimum, Burchell,) are so
fragrant as to be used by the Koras of the Cape of Good Hope as a perfume.
Burch. 2. 263. Crozophora tinctoria yields the preparation called Tiirnsol ;
the plant itself is acrid, emetic, and drastic. An abundance of useful oil is ob-
tained from two species of Elreococca ; it is, however, only fit for burning and
painting, on account of its acridity. Ad. de J. Six sorts of European Euphor-
bias are named, by Deslongchamps, as fit substitutes for Ipecacuanha, the best
of which he states to be E. Gerardiana, the powdered root of which vomits
easily in doses of 18 or 20 grains. Ainslie, 1. 123. The root of Euphorbia
Ipecacuanha is said, by Barton, to be equal to the true Ipecacuanha, and in
some respects superior ; it is not unpleasant cither in taste or smell. Barton,
1. 218. [Bigelow, 3. 109.] Various species of fleshy Euphorbia, especially
theEuph.antiquorum and canariensis, produce thcdrugEuphorbiumof the shops,
which is the inspissated milky juice of such plants. In India it is mixed with
the oil expressed from the seeds of Sesamum orientale, and used externally in
rheumatic affections, and internally in cases of obstinate constipation. It is
little used in Europe. Orfila places it among his poisons. Ainslie, 1. 121.
Euphorbia papillosa is administered, in Brazil, as a purgative ; but is apt, if
given in too strong a dose, to cause dangerous superpurgations. PI. Usuelles,
18. The juice of the leaves of Euphorbia nereifolia is prescribed by the
native practitioners of India, internally as a purge and deobstruent, and exter-
103
nally, mixed with Margosa oil, in such cases of contracted limb as are induced
by ill-treated rheumatic affections. The leaves have, no doubt, a diuretic qua-
lity. Jlinslie, 2. 98. The leaves and seeds of Euphorbia thymifolia are given,
by the Tamool doctors of India, in worm cases, and in certain bowel affections
of children. lb 2. 76. The same persons give the fresh juice of Euphorbia
pilulifera in aphthous affections. The fresh acrid juice of Euphorbia
Tirucalli is used in India as a vesicatory. lb. 2. 133. The Ethopians are
said, by Virey, to form a mortal poison for their arrows from the juice of
Euphorbia heptagona. Hist, des Mtdic. 299. The juice of Excrecaria Agallo-
cha, and even its smoke when burnt, affects the eyes with intolerable pain, as has
been experienced occasionally by sailors sent ashore to cut fuel, who, according
to Rumphius (2. 238.), having accidentally rubbed their eyes with the juice,
became blinded, and ran about like distracted men, and some of them finally
lost their sight. The famous Manchineel tree, Hippomane Mancinella, is said
to be so poisonous, that persons have died from merely sleeping beneath its
shade. This is doubted, indeed, by Jacquin, who, however, admits its ex-
tremely venomous qualities ; but it is by no means improbable that the story
has some foundation in truth, particularly if, as Ad. tie Jussieu truly remarks,
the volatile nature of the poisonous principle of these plants is considered.
The juice of Hura crepitans is stated to be of the same fatal nature as that of
Excaecaria ; its seeds are said to have been administered to negro slaves as
purgatives, in number not exceeding 1 or 2, with fatal consequences. Ad. de J.
The powdered fruit of Hysenanche globosa is used in the colony of the Cape of
Good Hope to poison hysenas, as nux vomica to poison stray dogs in Europe.
From the seeds of Jatropha glauca the Hindoos prepare, by careful expres-
sion, an oil which, from its stimulating quality, they recommend as an external
application in cases of chronic rheumatism and paralytic affections. Jlinslie,
2. 6. The seeds of Jatropha Cufcas are purgative and occasionally emetic ; an
expressed oil is obtained from them, which is reckoned a valuable external ap-
plication in itch and herpes ; it is also used, a little diluted, in chronic rheuma-
tism. The varnish used by the Chinese for covering boxes is made by boiling
this oil with oxide of iron. The leaves are considered as rubefacient and dis-
cutient ; the milky juice is supposed to have a detergent and healing quality,
and dyes linen black. Ibid. 2. 46. The roots of the Jatropha Manihot, or
Mandiocca, yield a flour of immense importance in South America : this is ob-
tained by crushing the roots, after the bark has been removed, and then straining
off the water ; after which the mass is gradually dried in pans over a fire.
The seeds of several species of Jatropha are purgative, but they sometimes
act so dangerously as to require extreme caution in administering them. Mer-
curialis perennis is purgative and dangerous. According to Sloane, it has
sometimes produced violent vomiting, incessant diarrhoea, a burning heat in the
head, a deep and long stupor, convulsions, and even death ; jet this very plant,
when boiled, has been eaten as a potherb. The leaves of Maprounea brasi-
liensis, or the Marmeleiro do Campo of Brazil, yield a black dye, which is,
however, fugitive. A decoction of" its root is also administered in derange-
ment of the stomach ; — a most remarkable circumstance, if we consider the
close relation that is borne by it to Manchineel and other most poisonous trees.
According to M. Auguste St. Hilaire, the Maprounea is destitute of the milky
juice of Sapium, Excoecaria, Hippomane, and other dangerous genera. PI.
Us. 65. The seeds of Omphalea are eaten safely, if the embryo is first re-
moved ; if this is not done, they are cathartic. Both Pedilanthus tithymaloides
and padifolius are used medicinally in the West Indies : the former, known un-
der the name of Ipecacuanha, is used for the same purposes as that drug ; the
latter, called the Jew Bush, or Milk plant, is used in decoction of the recent
plant as an antisyphilitic, and in cases of suppression of the menses. Hamilt.
Prodr. Fl. Ind. 43. The root, leaves, and young shoots of Phyllanthus Niruri
104
are considered, in India, deobstruent, diuretic, and healing. The leaves are
very bitter, and a good stomachic. Jiinslie, 2. 151. Some other species, par-
ticularly Ph. urinaria, are powerful diuretics. The fruit of the Phyllanthus
Emblica is frequently made into pickle ; it is acid, and, when dry, very astrin-
gent. Ibid, 1. 240. The bruised leaves of Phyllanthus Conami are used for
inebriating fishes. Aubl. 928. The boiled leaves of Plukenetia corniculata
are said to be an excellent potherb, for which purpose it is cultivated in Amboyna.
Rumph. The purgative quality of Ricinus, the Castor oil plant, is well known ;
the root is said to be diuretic. The juice of Sapium aucuparium is reputed poison-
ous. A case is mentioned by Tussac (Journ. Bot. 1813. 1. 117.) of a gardener
whose nostrils became swollen and seized with erysipelatous phlegmasis, in con-
sequence of the fumes only of this plant. The root of Tragia involucrata is
reckoned by the Hindoo doctors among those medicines which they conceive
to possess virtues in altering and correcting the habit in cases of cachexia, and
in old venereal complaints attended with anomalous symptoms. Jiinslie, 2. 62.
There is reason to believe that the timber imported from the coast of Africa,
under the name of African Teak, belongs to some tree of this order. From a
species of a tree, stated by Mr. Brown to be an unpublished genus, it is said
that a substance resembling caoutchouc is procured in Sierra Leone. Congo,
444.
Examples. Euphorbia, Croton, Buxus, Jatropha.
LXXXIX. RESEDACEiE. The Mignonette Tribe.
Resedaceje, Dec. Theor. ed. 1.214. (1813)? Lindl. Synops. 219.(1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with indefinite ovules, a 1-celled ova-
rium with parietal placentae, dehiscent fruit, irregular flowers partly sterile, and
a reniform embryo.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Florets included within a many-parted involucrum, neuter on
the outside, perfect in the centre. Calyx 1-sided, undivided, glandular. Stamens of the
sterile florets linear, petaloid. Stamens of the fertile florets perigynous, definite ; filaments
erect; anthers 2-cellcd, opening- longitudinally. Ovarium sessile, 3-lobed, 1-celled, many-
seeded, with 3 parietal placenta;. Stigmata 3, glandular, sessile. Fruit dry and membranous,
or succulent, opening at the apex. Seeds several, reniform, attached to 3 parietal placenta;;
embryo taper, arcuate, without albumen ; radicle superior.— Herbaceous plants, with alternate
leaves, the surface of which is minutely papillose ; and minute, gland-like stipulee.
Affinities. The character which is here assigned to Rcsedaceae is in
conformity with an opinion I published some years ago, that the part called
calyx by botanists is an involucrum, the supposed petals neutral florets, and
the disk or nectary a calyx surrounding a fertile floret in the middle. The
reasons I assigned for this opinion were, firstly, " That there is a difference in
the time of expansion of the neutral florets and of the stamens of the fertile
one ; the former being quite open in very many capitula, before one anther of
the latter has burst in a single flower. Secondly, That there is an evident ana-
logy between the appendages of the neutral florets and the stamens of the per-
fect florets ; inasmuch as in Reseda odorata those of the upper sterile florets
are nearly of the same number as the real stamens ; because in Reseda alba,
and some others, in which a union of filaments takes place in the perfect floret,
there is a corresponding but more complete union of the sterile appendages ;
and because occasionally in Reseda odorata, stamens are changed into bodice-
105
altogether similar to the sterile appendages ; and in Reseda Phyteuma the
same appearance is always assumed by the perfect stamens after the anthers
have performed their functions. Thirdly, That there is an equal analogy
between the calyx of the neutral florets and that of the perfect floret ; because
both have a peculiar glandular margin, the same form, both produce their
stamens from the surface ; and because the upper edge of the calyx in the
sterile florets has the same relation to the axis of each particular head as that
of the perfect floret has to the axis of the whole inflorescence. In Reseda
Phyteuma, which has the margin of its neutral florets rolled back, the same
thing occurs in the perfect floret. Fourthly, That there is no instance of the
same analogy existing between the disk and petals of other plants." Coll. Bot.
no. 22. Hence I inferred that the genus must be excluded from even the
vicinity of Capparidece, with which it is usually placed. This view of the
structure of Reseda, however paradoxical it may appear, has been adopted by
M. Decandolle ; but Mr. Brown, in the Appendix to Major Denham's Narra-
tive, has advanced various arguments in opposition to it. By these I was at
first induced to believe that I was mistaken in my theory ; but upon reflection,
and a subsequent repetition of the observations I originally made, I have been
led to decide that Mr. Brown's arguments, strong as they undoubtedly are, do
not carry conviction with them, and are, in fact, less weighty than they seem
to be. In the first place, this learned botanist does not attempt to invalidate
some of the arguments upon which I was led to my original conclusion ; and
secondly, those which he has advanced in support of the contrary opinion
appear to me to be open to objection. Mr. Brown's arguments in favour of the
popular mode of under standing the structure of Reseda are:
1st. That the presence and appearance of the hypogynous disk, the anoma-
lous structure of the petals, and the aestivation of the flower, all occur in a
greater or less degree in Capparideas, and have been found united in no other
family of plants ; and,
2d. That the appendages, (which I consider abortive stamens,) being formed
before the part upon "which they rest, (and which I have called calyx,) are con-
sequently to be referred to the corolla rather than the stamens : this, at least, is
how I understand the chief argument employed by Mr. Brown. I hope I do
not misunderstand.
3d. That the processes of the supposed petals are analogous to those of
Dianthus, Lychnis, and Silene.
To the first of these arguments I reply that, without meaning in the slightest
degree to doubt the accuracy of Mr. Brown's observations, which I know are
beyond question, I have not been able to discover any Capparideous plants
which are in my judgment analogous in the conformation of their parts to
Reseda ; and that, even presuming appearances of analogy to exist more une-
quivocally than Mr. Brown states that they do, such a fact would not by itself
shake the evidence I have produced to the contrary. To this I may add, that
analogical evidence in support of my position, fully as powerful as that said to
exist against it in Capparidese, is furnished by Datisca, a genus I think evi-
dently very near Reseda, which is unquestionably apetalous, and of which
the calyx of the pistilliferous flowers may without difficulty be compared with
that of Reseda, except that it is adherent to the ovarium. '
To the second objection it may be answered, that in organs of so anomalous
a structure as those of Reseda, there can be no difficulty in supposing that
anomaly to overcome the ordinary laws of successive formation ; that, more-
over, the argument is founded upon an assumption that the petals are always
formed before the stamens : a point with no proof of which am I acquainted,
and which I think open to considerable doubt ; for instance, are the petals of
Illecebreae developed before the stamens or subsequent totfiem? and how is
24
100
the existence of apetalous species in polypetalous genera to be reconciled with
such a theory ? Besides this, is not the circumstance described by Mr. Brown
of the stamina not being covered by the supposed petals in the slightest degree
in any stage of development, an admission that in Reseda itself the formation of
the stamens is anterior to that of the corolla ? and if this is true of perfect sta-
mens, why should it not be true of sterile ones ? Mr. Brown also states that
at the period when what he calls the unguis of the petals (but what I call the.
calyx of the neutral florets) is scarcely to be detected, that part which is com-
monly called the disk (but which I consider the calyx of a sterile floret) is
hardly visible also. Is not this a proof of the identity of the two parts ? and if
so, they must be either all disks, which is absurd, or all calyxes, which is that
for which I contend.
With regard to the third objection, that the processes of the supposed petals
of Reseda are analogous to those of Silene, Lychnis, &c, I entertain a different
opinion, for the following reasons : The coronal processes of Silene consist of
cellular tissue only, without any trace of vessels, and are analogous to the crests
or lamellae upon the labellum of Orchideee, the anomalous subulate processes
of Gilliesia, the scales of the orifice of some Boragineas, the hump on the calyx
of Scutellaria, and perhaps also the ligula of grasses. But in Reseda each of
the processes has a central vascular axis, and is anatomically undistinguisha-
ble from the filament of the fertile stamens ; being thus analogous to the ligu-
late or subulate processes of Blittneriaceas, or the coronal processes of
Schwenkia, Brodisea, and Leucocoryne, all of which are notoriously abortive
stamina. I know of no instance of mere processes arising from the surface of
a petal having a vascular axis : for Polygala, after the explanation that has
been given of its structure by Auguste ' St. Hilaire, will hardly be considered
an instance : neither am I acquainted with any case of sterile stamens being
destitute of such an axis, unless they are in a very rudimentary state, which
those of Reseda are not.
To conclude, I would beg those who still entertain doubts upon this subject
to examine Reseda Phyteuma, and to set out in their inquiry from that species,
in which, according to Mr. Don, (Ed. Neiv Phil. Journ. Oct. 1828,) one of
the sterile stamens occasionally bears an anther ; a statement which, if there
is no mistake, sets the question at rest for ever. Viewing the structure of
Reseda in the usual way, its affinity would be obviously with Capparideae, with
which it entirely agrees in its seeds ; but in the light in which I see it, its
proximity will be to Euphorbiacere and Datiscea?, particularly to the latter.;
and if to them, also to Corylacese and Ulmaceae, with the calyx of which, espe-
cially that of the staminiferous flowers of Fagus, the calyx of Reseda has
much in common. I consider that Resedacea? bear about the same relation to
Euphorbiaceas, as Campanulaceaa to Composite, as Cinchonaceae to Stejlatae,
or as Hydrangeaceae to Viburnum.
Geography. Weeds inhabiting exclusively Europe, the adjoining parts of
Asia, the basin of the Mediterranean, and the adjacent islands.
Properties. Nothing further is known of them than that Reseda luteola
yields a yellow dye, and that the Mignonette (R. odorata) is among the most
fragrant of plants.
Examples. Reseda, Ochradenus.
107
XC. DATISCEiE.
Datisce;e, R. Brown in Denham, 25. (1826.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with indefinite ovules, a 1-celled ova-
rium with parietal placentae, dehiscent fruit, regular dioecious flowers, and a
straight embryo.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers, dicecioup. Calyx of the staminiferous flowers divided
into several pieces ; of the pistilliferous, superior, toothed. Stamens several ; anthers 2-ce\\ed
membranous, linear, bursting longitudinally. Ovarium 1-ccllcd, with polyspermous parietal
placenta; ; stigmas equal in number to the placenta?, recurved. Fruit capsular, opening" at
the vertex, 1-ccllcd, with polyspermous parietal placenta;. Seeds enveloped in a membranous
finely reticulated integument ; embryo straight, without albumen, its radicle turned towards
the hilum. — Herbaceous branched plants. Leaves alternate, cut, compound, without stipulie.
Flowers in axillary racemes.
Affinities. Mr. Brown is of opinion that this order differs widely from
Reseda ; but it strikes me that there is no group of plants to which it bears
a greater affinity, if the flowers of Reseda are considered apetalous, which Mr.
Brown, however, does not admit. Their habit is very similar. The structure
of the fruit is absolutely the same, except that the calyx of one is superior, and
of the other inferior ; both are destitute of albumen ; their anthers are also es-
sentially alike. I consider Datisceaj a connecting link between Resedacea^ and
Urticere.
Geography. The very few species of which this order consists are scat-
tered over North America, Siberia, northern India, the Indian archipelago, and
the southeastern corner of Europe.
Properties. Datisca is bitter.
Examples. Datisca, Tetrameles.
XCI. EMPETREyE. The Crowberry Tribe.
Empetre.e, Nutt. Gen. 2.233.; Don in Edinb. New Phil. Journ. (1826); Lindley's Synop
sis, 224. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite ascending ovules, infe-
rior distinct imbricated sepals, distinct stamens, and an embryo in the axis of
fleshy albumen.
Anomalies.
Essentia!. Character. — Mowers dioecious. Sepals hypogynous imbricated scales. Sta-
mens equal in number to the sepals, and alternate with them ; anthers roundish, 2-celled, the
cells distinct, bursting longitudinally. Ovarium superior, seated in a fleshy disk, 3- 6- or
9-celled; ovules solitary, ascending; style 1 ; stigma radiating, the number of its rays corres-
ponding with the cells of the ovarium. Fruit fleshy, seated in the persistent calyx, 3-6- or
9-celled ; the coating of the cells bony. Seeds solitary, ascending; embryo taper, in the axis of
fleshy watery albumen ; radicle inferior. — Small acrid shrubs with heath-like evergreen leaves
without stipukc ; and minute flowers in their axilla;.
Affinities. Although the institution of this order is attributable to Mr.
Nuttall, the final determination and characterizing it is due to the exactness of
Mr. Don, who has made numerous remarks upon it in the work above quoted.
According to this gentleman, the order holds a kind of intermediate place be-
tween Euphorbiacese and Celastrinea?, agreeing in habit with the former, espe-
108
cially with Micranthea, and some species of Phyllanthus, more than with the
latter.
Geography. A very small group, comprising a few species from North
America, the south of Europe, and Straits of Magellan.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Empetrum, Corema, Ceratiola.
XCII. STACKHOUSEiE.
Stackhouse;e, R. Br. in Flinders, 555. (1814.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with 5 perigynous stamens, concrete
carpella, a superior deeply lobed ovarium with several cells and lateral styles,
and regular flowers.
Anomalies.
Essential Chabactee. — Calyx 1-leaved, 5-cleft, equal, with an inflated tube. Petals 5,
equal, arising from the top of the tube of the calyx ; their claw3 combined in a tube longer than
the calyx ; their limb narrow, stellate. Stamens 5, distinct, unequal (2 alternately shorter),
arising from the throat of the calyx. Ovarium superior, 3- or 5-lobed, the lobes distinct, each
with a single erect ovulum ; styles from 3 to 5, sometimes combined at the base ; stigmas sim-
ple. Fruit of from 3 to 5, indehiscent, winged, or wingless pieces ; column central, persistent.
Embryo erect, in the axis of and almost as long as, the fleshy albumen. — Herbaceous plants.
Leaves simple, entire, alternate, sometimes minute. Stipulce lateral, very minute. Spike ter-
minal, each flower with 3 bractea?.
Affinities. Between Celastrineae and Euphorbiacese, according to Mr.
Brown ; from the latter of which they differ in the presence of petals, in the
structure of their fruit, and in the position of their seeds, besides other charac-
ters ; from the former in the presence of stipulse, in the cohesion of the petals
in a tube, in the want of a fleshy disk, in the deeply lobed ovarium, and so on.
Geography. A few New Holland shrubs compose all that is known of the
order.
Properties. Unknown.
Example. Stackhousia.
XCIII. CELASTRINEAE.
Celastiuneje, R. Brown in Flinders, 22. (1814) ; Dec. Prodr. 2. 2. (1825) ; Ad. Brongniart
Memoire sur les Rhamnees 16. (1826) ; Ldndl. Synops. 74. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with 4 or 5 perigynous stamens
alternate with the petals, concrete carpella, a superior ovarium with several
cells surrounded by a large fleshy disk, ascending ovules, and alternate simple
leaves without stipulse.
Anomalies. Flowers diclinous in Maytenus. Petals none in Alzatea.
Essential Character.— Sepals 4 or 5, imbricated, inserted into the margin of an expanded
torus. Petals inserted by a broad base, under the margin of the disk, with an imbricate esti-
vation. Stamens alternate with the petals, inserted into the disk, either at the margin or
within it ; anthers innate. Disk large, expanded, flat, closely surrounding the ovarium, cover-
ing the flat expanded torus. Ovarium superior, immersed in the disk and adhering to it, with
3 or 4 cells ; cells 1- or many-seeded ; ovules ascending from the axis, attached to a short funi-
culus. Fruit superior ; either a 3- or 4-celled capsule, with 3 or 4 septiferous valves ; or a dry
109
drupe, with a 1- or 2-celled nut, the cells of which are 1- or many-seeded. Seeds ascending",
seldom inverted by resupination, either provided with an arillus, or without one ; albumen
fleshy ; embryo straight ; cotyledons flat and thick, with a short inferior radicle. — Shrubs.
Leaves simple, alternate or opposite. Flowers in axillary cytnes.
Affinities. Formerly confounded with Rhamneae, this order was first
separated by Mr. Brown, who distinguished it particularly by the relation
which its stamens bear to the petals. It also differs in its imbricated calyx, and
in its disk being hypogynous. According to Brongniart, Celastrineae have
more relation to several orders with hypogynous stamens than to any with pe-
rigynous ones, especially to Malpighiaceae, to which they are related through
Hippocrateaceae, which are in fact, according to Mr. Brown, scarcely distinct
from Celastrineae. Brongn. M6m. p. 15. Related to Euphorbiaceae.
Geography. Natives of the warmer parts of Europe, North America, and
Asia, but far more abundant beyond the tropics than within them ; a great
number of species inhabit the Cape of Good Hope. Some are found in Chile
and Peru, and a few in New Holland.
Properties. I find nothing recorded about the properties of the species of
this order, except a remark by Decandolle, that a decoction of the young
branches of Maytenus is employed in Chile as a wash for swellings produced
by the poisonous shade of the tree Lithi. Essai, 123. ed. 2.
Examples. Euonymus, Celastrus, Alzatea.
XCIV. HIPPOCRATEACEAE.
HippocbaticEjE. Juss. Ann. Mus. 18. 483. (1811.)— Hippocr ate ace«, Kunth in Humb. N. G.
Am. 5. 136. (1821) ; Dec. Prodr. 1. 567. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite lyrpogynous stamens
(3) cohering at the base in a fleshy cup, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several
cells with the placentae in the axis, an imbricated calyx, unsymmetrical flowers,
erect ovules, undivided petals without appendages, and indehiscent apterous
fruit.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, very seldom 4 or 6, very small, combined as far as the
middle, persistent. Petals 5, very seldom 4 or 6, equal, hypogynous? somewhat imbricated
in Eestivation. Stamens 3, very seldom 4 or 5 ; filaments cohering almost as far as the apex
into a tube dilated at the base, and forming about the ovarium a thick disk-like cup ; anthers
1-celled, opening transversely at the apex, 2- or even 4-celled. Ovarium concealed by the
tube, 3-cornered, distinct ; style 1 ; stigmas 1-3 ; ovula erect. Fruit either consisting of 3
samaroid carpella, or berried with from 1 to 3 cells. Seeds in each cell 4, or more, but definite,
attached to the axis in pairs, some of them occasionally abortive, erect, without albumen ;
embryo straight; radicle pointing towards the base; cotyledons flat, elliptical oblong, some-
what fleshy, cohering when dried.— Arborescent or climbing shrubs, which are almost always
smooth. Leaves opposite, simple, entire or toothed, somewhat coriaceous. Racemes axillary,
in corymbs or fascicles. Flowers small, not showy.
Affinities. The ternary number of the stamens, along with the quinary
number of the petals and sepals, is the prominent characteristic of this order,
which was formerly included in Acerinece by M. de Jussieu, which is placed
between Erythroxylece and Marcgraaviaceae by Decandolle, but which is, to
all appearance, much more nearly related to Celastrineae, as Mr. Brown has
remarked ; for " the insertion of the ovula is either towards the base, or is cen-
tral ; the direction of the radicle is always inferior." Brown, Congo, 427. In
Hippocratea ovata, the testa and cotyledons are furnished in the inside with
110
innumerable trachea-like threads ; the same economy has been remarked by
Du Petit Thouars in the pericarp of Calypso. Dec. Prodr. 1. 567. The
only similar cases of this curious structure with which I am acquainted are
in Collomia, in which I have detected it {Bot. Reg. fol. 1166.), and in Casua-
rina, in which it has been described by Mr. Brown ; plants having no apparent
affinity with Hippocrateaceae.
Geography. The principal part are South American, about 1-seventh are
natives of Africa or the Mauritian Islands, and the same number has been
recorded as East Indian.
Properties. The fruit of Tonsella pyriformis, a native of Sierra Leone, is
eatable. It is about the size of a Bergamot Pear ; its flavour is rich and
sweet. Hort. Trans. The nuts of Hippocratea comosa are oily and sweet.
Swartz. 1. 78.
Examples. Hippocratea, Anthodon, Salacia.
XCV. BREXIACE^E.
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
a hypogynous disk, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells with the pla-
centae in the axis, an imbricated calyx, symmetrical flowers, indefinite exalbu-
minous seeds with a straight embryo, and drupaceous fruit and arborescent
stems.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx inferior, small, persistent, 5-parted ; aestivation imbricated.
Petals 5, hypogynous, imbricated in aestivation. Stamens 5, hypogynous, alternate with the
petals, arising from a narrow cup, which is toothed between each stamen ; anthers oval,
innate, 2-celled, bursting longitudinally, fleshy at the apex ; pollen triangular, cohering by
means of fine threads. Ovarium superior, 5-celled, with numerous ovules attached in two
rows to'placenta? in the axis; style 1, continuous; stigma simple. Fruit drupaceous, 5-celled,
many-seeded. Seeds indefinite, attached to the axis, with a double integument, the inner of
which is membranous; albumen 0; cotyledons ovate, obtuse; radicle cylindrical, centripetal.
— Trees, with nearly simple trunks. Leaves coriaceous, alternate, simple, not dotted, with
deciduous minute stipulse. Flowers green, in axillary umbels, surrounded by bractere on the
outside.
Affinities. The solitary genus upon which this order is founded does not
exhibit any very obvious affinities, for which reason it is probable that other
genera remain to be discovered, which will establish the connexion that is at
present wanting. Its habit is that of some Myrsineae, especially Theophrasta,
from which it differs in being polypetalous, in the stamens being alternate with
the petals, and in many other circumstances. With Rhamneae and Celastri-
neae its relation is no doubt strong, but its stamens are hypogynous, not perigy-
nous, and its seeds indefinite. Some resemblance may be traced between it
and Anacardiaceas, especially in the resinous appearances visible upon the
young shoots, and also in habit ; but its fructification is entirely at variance
with that order. With Pittosporeae it agrees in its Irypogynous definite sta-
mens, its polyspermous fruit, its alternate undivided leaves, and habit ; but it
disagrees in a number of important particulars. Upon the whole, however, I
think it approaches more nearly to Celastrineae than to any other order. The
fruit is well described by Dr. Wallich in the Flora lndica.
Geography. Madagascar trees.
Properties. Unknown.
Example. Brexia.
Ill
XCVI. RHAMNEvE. The Buckthorn Tribe.
Rhamni, Juss. Gen. 376. (1789) ; RhamnEjE, Dec Prodr. 2. 19. (1825) ; Brongniart Memoire
&ur les Rliamnecs, (1826); Lindl. Synops. 72. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Poljpetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous definite stamens
opposite the cucullate petals, concrete carpella, a superior ovarium with seve-
ral cells surrounded by a fleshy disk, solitary erect ovula, valvate calyx, and
alternate simple leaves with minute stipules.
Anomalies. Sometimes the ovarium is inferior. Leaves opposite in Col-
letia and Rctanilla. Stipules and petals often wanting.
Essential Character. — Calyx monophyllous, 4-5-cleft, with a valvate aestivation. Petals
distinct, cucullate, or convolute, inserted into the orifice of the calyx, occasionally wanting-.
Stamens definite, opposite the petals. Disk fleshy. Ovarium superior, or half superior, 2- 3-
or 4-celled; ovules solitary, erect. Fruit fleshy and indehiscent, or dry and separating- in 3
divisions. Seeds erect; albumen fleshy, seldom wanting- ; embryo almost as long- as the seed,
with large flat cotyledons, and a short inferior radicle. — Trees or shrubs, often spiny. Leaves
simple, alternate, very seldom opposite, with minute stipulcc. Flowers axillary or terminal.
Affinities. Under this name have been for a long time confounded four
orders, very different in characters, and even in natural affinities, the peculiari-
ties of three of which have been pointed out by M. Ad. Brongniart in his me-
moir upon the subject, and a fourth has been distinguished by myself. These
orders are Rhamnea? properly so called, Celastrinea?, Ilicineae, and Staphylea-
cese, the respective affinities of which will be found under each. M. Brong-
niart indicates the relation that Rhamnea; bear, thus : if we take the insertion
of stamens as the most important distinction of plants, it will be found that
among polypetalous orders with perigynous stamens, Pomaceoe are those to
which Rhamneae have the closest relation, agreeing with them in the ovarium,
the cells of which are determinate in number, in the ascending ovules, and in
their alternate leaves usually having two stipule at their base ; the number and
position of their stamens, and the structure of their seeds, separate them wide-
ly. But if the insertion of the stamens is left out of consideration, they will
be found to have many characters in common with Biittneriaceas (Brown in
Flinders, 22.) ; such as, the aestivation of the calyx, the form of the petals,
the position of the stamens in front of those petals, the structure of the ova-
rium and seeds in many important points ; the principal differences between
them are, in fact, the stamens being turned outwards in Biittneriacere, which
are also destitute of a disk, have hypogynous stamens, and always two or
more ovules. Euphorbiaceas are allied to Rhamhese ; but the constant separa-
tion of stamens and pistils in the former family, hypogynous stamens and
suspended ovules, are all important marks of distinction. Nitrariaceas may
be compared with Rhamneaj in several points.
Geography. Found over nearly all the world, except in the arctic zone ;
the maximum of species is said to be dispersed through the hottest parts of the
United States, the south of Europe, the north of Africa, Persia and India in
the northern hemisphere, the Cape of Good Hope and New Holland in the
southern. Some of the genera appear to be confined to particular countries, as
all the true Ceanothuses to North America, Phylicas to the Cape, Cryptandra
and Pomaderris to New Holland.
Properties. The berries of various species of Rhamnus are violent pur-
gatives, and have been highly spoken of in dropsy. They also yield a dye,
varying in tint from yellow to green ; the ripe berries of R. catharticus, mixed
with gum arabic and lime-water form the green colour known under the name
of Bladder-green. The French berries of the shops (Graines d' Avignon, Fr.)
112
are the fruit of Rh. infectorius and saxatilis, and amygdalinus. The fruit of
Zizyphus is destitute of these purgative qualities, and, on the contrary, is often
wholesome and pleasant to eat, as in the case of the Jujube and the Lote, the
latter of which is now known to have given their name to the classical Loto-
phagi. The peduncles of Hovenia dulcis become extremely enlarged and suc-
culent, and are in China a fruit in much esteem, resembbng in flavour, as it is
said, a ripe Pear. Some species are astringent. Sageretia theezans is used
for tea by the poorer classes in China ; an infusion of the twigs of Ceanothus
americanus has been named useful [as an astringent injection, {Raf. JVfed.
Bot. 2. 205.) and the leaves of the same plant were substituted for tea, in some
parts of the United States, during the war of the revolution] . It is said, by
Rumphius, that in the Moluccas the bark of Zizyphus Jujuba is employed as
a remedy for darrhoea. Brongn.
Examples. Rhamnus, Phylica, Hovenia.
XCVII. STAPHYLEACE^E. The Bladder-Nut Tribe.
Celastrineje, § Staphyleacece, Dec. Prod. 2. 2. (1825).— Staphyleace.e, Lindl. Synops. 75.
(1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with 5 perigynous stamens alter-
nate with the petals, concrete carpella, a superior ovarium of .several cells sur-
rounded by a fleshy disk, erect ovules, and opposite pinnated leaves with com-
mon and partial stipule.
Anomalies. Flowers, diclinous, in Turpinia.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, connected at the base, coloured, with an imbricated
Estivation. Petals 5, alternate, with an imbricated aestivation. Stamens 5, alternate with
the petals, perigynous. Disk large urceolate. Ovarium 2- or 3-celled, superior ; ovula erect;
styles 2 or 3, cohering at the base. Fruit membranous or fleshy, indehiscent or opening in-
ternally, often deformed by the abortion of some of the parts. Seeds ascending, roundish,
with a bony testa ; hilum large, truncate ; albumen none ; cotyledons thick. — Shrubs. Leaves
opposite,pinnate, with both common and partial stipulre. Flowers in terminal, stalked racemes.
Affinities. Combined with Celastrinere by Decandolle, but distinguished
by Ad. Brongniart (JWem. stir les Rhamntes, p. 16.), this order appears to me
to be essentially characterized by its opposite pinnated stipulate leaves, and to
indicate an affinity between Celastrinese and Sapindacea;.
Geography. The very few species which belong here are irregularly scat-
tered over the face of the globe. Of the genus Staphylea, 1 is found in
Europe, 1 in North America, 1 in Japan, 2 in Jamaica, 1 in Peru ; and of Tur-
pinia, 1 is Mexican, and 1 East Indian.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Staphylea, Turpinia.
XCVIII. HIPPO-CASTANET. The Horse-Chestnut Tribe.
Hippocastane.k, Dec. 'Fheorie, ed. 2. 244. (1819); Prodr. 1. 597. (1824.)— Castaneace*,
Link Enum. 1. 354. (1821.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous definite stamens,
concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells with the placentae in the axis,
113
an imbricated calyx, unsymmetrical flowers, definite erect ovules, undivided
petals without appendages, dehiscent fruit, and compound palmate leaves.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx campanulate, 5-lobcd. Petals 5, or 4 by the abortion of
one of them, unequal, hypogynous. Stamens 7-8, distinct, unequal, inserted upon a hypogy-
nous disk; anthers somewhat incumbent. Ovarium roundish, 3-cornered, 3-celled ; style 1,
filiform, conical, acute ; ovula 2 in each cell. Fruit coriaceous, 1- 2- or 3-valved, 1- 2- or
3- celled, 1- 2- or 3-seeded. Seeds large, roundish, with a smooth shining- coat, and a broad pale
hilum ; albumen none ; embryo curved, inverted, with fleshy, very thick, gibbous, cohering
cotyledons, germinating under ground; plumnla unusually large, 2-lcavecf; radicle conical,
curved, turned towards the hilum. — 'Trees or shrubs. Learn opposite, without stipidce,
compound, quinate or septenatc. Racemes terminal, somewhat panicled ; the pedicels with
an articulation.
Affinities. The want of symmetry in the parts of the flower, and their
compound leaves, approximate Hippocastanere to Sapindaceas ; the same
character brings them near Acerineee, from both which they are distinguished
by the structure of their fruit and seeds. They also approach Rhizobolese, as
is stated in speaking of that order.
Geography. The north of India and North America contain the few
species that belong to this order.
Properties. Handsome trees or small bushes, chiefly remarkable for their
large seeds, with an extensive hilum. These seeds contain a great quantity
of starch, which renders them nutritive for man and many other animals.
They also contain a sufficient proportion of potash to be useful as cosmetics,
or as a substitute for soap ; they are bitter, and have been employed as a
sternutatory. The bark of the common Horse Chestnut is bitter, astringent,
and febrifugal.
Examples. yEsculus, Pavia.
XCIX. RHIZOBOLESE.
RhizobolejE, Dec. Prodr. 1. 599. (1824) ; Cambessedes in Aug. St. Hil. Fl. Bras. Merid.
1. 322. (1827.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous indefinite sta-
mens, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells : with solitary peltate
ovules, an imbricated calyx, exstipulate compound leaves, and round anthers
bursting longitudinally.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, more or less combined, imbricated in aestivation.
Petals 5, thickish, unequal, arising along with the stamens from a hypogynous disk. Sta-
mens extremely numerous, slightly monadelphous, arising in a double row from a disk, the
innermost being shorter and often abortive ; anthers roundish. Ovarium superior, 4-celled,
4-seeded ; styles 4 ; stigmas simple ; ovula peritropal. Fruit formed of 4 combined nuts,
part of which are sometimes abortive; each nut indehiscent, 1-seeded, 1-celled, with a thick
double putamen. Seed reniform, without albumen, with a funiculus which is dilated into a
spongy excrescence ; embryo very large, constituting nearly the whole of the almond-like
substance of the nut, with a long 2-edged cauliculus, having two small cotyledons at the top,
and lying in a furrow of the radicle. — Trees. Leaves opposite, stalked, compound, without
stipule. Flowers racemose.
Affinities. A very distinct order, related on the one hand to Anacardi-
aceae, and particularly to Mangifera, but perhaps rather to be associated with
Sapindaceae, in consideration of its hypogynous flowers and its fruit ; in some
25
114
measure also related to Hippocastaneae on account of its opposite compound
palmate leaves ; but in Hippocastaneae the radicle is small, and the cotyledons
very large, while in Rhizoboleae the radicle is enlarged, and the cotyledons
small. In both orders the albumen seems to be absorbed by the various parts
of the embryo. Decand. Prodr. 1. 599,
Geography. Six large trees found in the forests of the hottest parts of
South America constitute the whole of the order.
Properties. Some of them are known for producing the Souari (vulgS
Suw arrow) Nuts, of the shops, the kernel of which is one of the most deli-
cious fruits of the nut kind that is known. An oil is extracted from them not
inferior to that of the Olive.
Example. Caryocar.
C. SAPINDACEiE. The Soap-Tree Tribe.
Sapindi, Juss. Gen. 246. (1789.)— Sapindaceje, Juss. Ann. Mus. 18. 476. (1811); Dec. Prodr.
1. 601. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous definite stamens
irregularly arranged upon a disk, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several
cells with the placentae in the axis, an imbricated calyx, unsymmetrical
flowers, petals usually with some interior appendage, and very unequal sepals.
Anomalies. In Tina the flowers appear to be symmetrical. Stadmannia,
Amirola, and Dodonaea, have no petals.
Essential Character. — Sepals 4 or 5, either distinct or cohering- at the base ; (estivation
imbricate. Petals generally equal in number to the sepals, occasionally one less, very rarely
none, hypogynous ; sometimes naked, sometimes villous or glandular in the middle, some-
times with an interior petaloid scale. Stamens irregularly arranged, distinct, double the
number of the petals, inserted on a hypogynous glandular disk. Ovarium roundish ; style 1
or 3 ; ovula arising from the middle of the axis, definite (collateral), ascending. Fruit dru-
paceous or capsular, 3-celled, or by abortion 1- or 2-celled. Seeds solitary, attached to the
axis, without albumen ; embryo with the radicle pointing towards the base of the cell ; coty.
ledons more or less curved upon the radicle, occasionally straight. — Erect or climbing trees
or shrubs, very seldom herbaceous plants. Leaves alternate, often compound, having fre-
quently pellucid lines or dots.
Affinities. Very near Meliaceae, which agree in habit and in their pin-
nated leaves, but which are known by their monadelphous stamens and sym-
metrical flowers. To Polygaleoe they are no doubt akin in the singular com-
bination of 8 stamens with 5 unequal sepals, and an uncertain number of
petals ; and also in their arillus, which may be compared to the caruncula of
Polygaleas, although somewhat different in its origin. The dried leaves
resemble, as Decandolle remarks, those of Connaracece. Their climbing habit
and tendency to produce tendrils indicate a relation to Vites, which, however,
is not very near. Mr. Brown remarks, that although in the far greater part of
this family the ovulum is erect and the radicle of the embryo inferior, yet it
includes more than one genus in which both the seeds and embryo are
inverted. Congo, 427. (1818.)
Geography. Natives of most parts of the tropics, but especially of South
America and India ; the tribe called Paullinieae is most abundant in'the former,
and Sapindeaj in the latter region. Africa knows many of them, but they are
wanting in the cold regions of the north. None are found in Europe or the
United States of America, Dodonaeas represent the order in New Holland.
115
Properties. It is singular that while the leaves and branches of many of
these plants are unquestionably poisonous, the fruit of others is valuable as an
article of the dessert. Thus the Longan, the Litchi, and the Rambutan, fruits
among the most delicious of the Indian archipelago, are the produce of different
species of Euphoria. The fruit of Schmidelia edulis is known at desserts in
Brazil under the name of Fruta de parao ; it is said to have a sweet and
pleasant taste. PL Us. 67. That of Sapindus esculentus is very fleshy, and
much esteemed by the inhabitants of Certao, by whom it is called Pittomba.
Ibid. 68. Some species of Paullinia are stated, upon various authorities, to be
poisonous, especially the P. australis, to which principally M. Auguste de St.
Hilaire attributes the poisonous quality of the Lecheguana honey. Ed. P. J.
14. 269. The arillus of Paullinia subrotunda and of Blighia sapida is eata-
ble. The leaves of Magonia pubescens and glabrata, called Tinguy in Brazil,
are used for stupifying fishes : their bark is employed for healing sores in horses
caused by the stings of insects. A. St. Hil. Hist, des PI. 238. The fruit of
Sapindus saponaria is saponaceous. The root of Cardiospermum halicaca-
bum is aperient. Ainslie, 2. 204.
Examples. Sapindus, Blighia, Paullinia.
CI. ACERINEiE. The Sycamore Tribe.
Acera. Juss. Gen. 50. (1789); Ann. Mus. 18. 477. (1811).— Acerine-e, Dec. TTieorie, ed. 2.
244. (1819); Prodr. 1. 593. (1824); Lindl. Synops. 55. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polype talous dicotyledons, with distinct hypogynous definite
stamens, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells with the placentae in the
axis, an imbricated calyx, unsymmetrical flowers, definite erect ovules, undi-
vided petals without appendages, and indehiscent winged fruit.
Anomalies. The leaves of Negundium are compound.
Essential Character. — Calyx divided into 5, or occasionally from 4 to 9 parts, with an
imbricate activation. Petals equal in number to the lobes of the calyx, inserted round a hy-
pogynou3 disk. Stamens inserted upon a hypogynous disk, generally 8, not often any other
number, always definite. Ovarium 2-lobed ; style 1 ; stigmas 2. Fruit formed of two parts,
which are indehiscent and winged; each 1-celled, with 1 or two seeds. Seeds erect, with a
thickened lining to the testa; albumen none; embryo curved, with foliaceous wrinkled cotyle-
dons, and an inferior radicle. — Trees. Leaves opposite, simple, rarely pinnate, without stipu-
he. Flowers often polygamous, sometimes apetalous, in axillary corymbs or racemes.
Affinities. Related closely to Malpighiaceae in their winged fruit, to Sa-
pindaceae in the pinnate leaves of two species, and the unsymmetrical flowers
of the whole.
Geography. Europe, the north of India, and North America, are the sta-
tions of this order, which is unknown in Africa and the southern hemisphere.
Properties. They are only known for the sugary sap of Acer sacchari-
num and other species, from which sugar is extracted in abundance. [For
other properties see Raf. Med. Bot. 2. 185.]
Examples. Acer, Negundium.
11G
CII. ERYTHROXYLEiE.
EEYTHBOXYLEiE, Kunth in Humb. N. G. Am. 5. 175. (1821); Dec. Prodr. 1. 573. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an entire ovarium of 1 cell, an imbricated calyx, symmetrical
flowers, definite pendulous ovules, distinct sessile stigmas, and drupaceous
fruit.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Sepals 5, combined at the base, persistent. Petals 5, hypogynous.
broad at the base, with a plaited scale there, equal, the margins lying upon each other in aesti-
vation. Stamens 10; filaments combined at the base into a cup; anthers innate, erect,
2-celled, dehiscing lengthwise. Ovarium 1-celled, or 3-celied, with 2 cells spurious; styles 2,
distinct; stigmas 3, somewhat capitate, or united almost to the point; orulum solitary, pendu-
lous. Fruit drupaceous, 1-seeded. Seed angular ; albumen corneous ; embryo linear, straight,
central ; cotyledons linear, flat, leafy ; radicle superior, taper, straight ; plumula inconspicu-
ous. Shrubs or trees; young shoots often compressed and covered with acute imbricated
scales. Leaves alternate, seldom opposite, usually smooth ; stipules axillary. Mowers small,
whitish or greenish. Peduncles with bractcre at the base.
Affinities. Separated from Malpighiaceae by Kunth on account of the
appendages of the petals, the presence of albumen, the fruit being often 1-celled
by abortion, and their peculiar habit. Dec. Mr. Brown suggests that Ery-
throxylon belongs to Malpighiaceee, or at least that it approximates very closely
to that family. Congo, 426.
Geography. Chiefly West Indian and South American. A few are found
in the East Indies, and several in the Mauritius and Madagascar.
Properties. The wood of some is bright red ; that of E. hypericifolium
is called in the Isle of France Bois d'huile. A permanent reddish brown dye
is obtained from the bark of Erythroxylum suberosum, called in Brazil Gal-
linha choca and Mercurio do campo. Pi Us. 69.
Examples. Erythroxylum, Sethia.
CIII. MALPIGHIACEvE. The Barbadoes Cherry Tribe.
Malpighiaceje, Juss. Gen. 252. (1789) ; Ann. Mus. 18. 479. (1811) ; Dec. Prodr. 1. 577. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledon?, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, a nearly entire ovarium of 3 cells, a glandular imbricated
calyx, symmetrical flowers, definite pendulous ovules, a single stjlc, cxalbumi-
nous seeds, fruit without a woody axis, unguiculate petals, and leaves without
pellucid dots.
Anomalies. Styles sometimes distinct. Leaves in an African species
alternate. Petals occasionally wanting.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, slightly combined, persistent. Petals 5, unguiculate,
inserted in a hypogynous disk, occasionally rather unequal, very seldom wanting. Stamens
10, alternate with the petals, seldom fewer, occasionally solitary ; filaments either distinct, or
partly monadclphous; anthers roundish. Ovarium 1, usually 3-lobcd, formed of 3 carpella,
more or less combined; styles 3, distinct or combined; omnia suspended. Fruit dry or ber-
ried, 3-celled or 3-lobcd, occasionally 1- or 2-celled by abortion. Seeds solitary, pendulous,
without albumen'; embryo more or less curved, or straight ; radicle short ; lobes leafy or thick-
ish. — Small trees or shrubs, sometimes climbing. Leaves opposite, scarcely ever alternate,
simple, without dots, with stipula; mostly. Flowers in racemes or corymbs. Pedicels articu-
lated in the middle, with 2 minute bractccc.
117
Affinities. Distinguished from Erythroxyleae by the structure of the ova-
rium ; and from Acerinere by the unguiculate petals, the glandular calyx, and
the symmetrical flowers. Mr. Brown remarks, that the insertion of the ovulum
is always towards its apex, or considerably above its middle ; and the radicle
of the embryo is uniformly superior, in which point Banisteria offers no excep-
tion to the general structure, although Gartner has described its radicle as in-
ferior. Congo, 426.
Geography. Almost exclusively found in the equinoctial parts of America;
of 180 species enumerated by Dccandolle, only 5 are East Indian, 1 is found
at the Cape, 1 in Arabia, and 5 in equinoctial Africa, or the contiguous
islands.
Ppoperties. Little is known of this subject. The wood of some kinds is
bright red. The fruit of many is eaten in the West Indies ; the hairs of a few
species are painfully pungent. The bark of Malp. Moureila, according to Au-
blet, is employed in Cayenne as a febrifuge.
The following sections are employed by Decandolle :
1. MaLPIGHIE-ZE.
Styles 3, distinct or cohering in 1. Fruit fleshy, indehiscent. — Leaves op-
posite.
Examples. Malpighia, Bunchozia.
2. HlPTAGE-E.
Style 1, or 3 combined in 1. Carpella of the fruit dry, indehiscent, 1-seeded,
often variously expanded into wings. — Leaves opposite or verticillate.
Examples. Hiptage, Thryallis, Aspicarpa.
3. Banisterieje.
Styles 3, distinct. Carpella of the fruit dry, indehiscent, monospermous, va-
riously expanded into wings. — Leaves opposite, rarely whorled.
Examples. Hirasa, Banisteria.
CIV. VITES. The Vine Tribe.
Vites, Juss. Gen. 267. (1789). — Sarmentace*, Vent. T'abl. 3. 167. (1799). — Viniferje, Juss.
Mem. Mus. 3. AAA. (1817).— Ampelideje, Kunth in Humboldt, K G. et. Sp. 5. 223. (1821) ;
Dec.Prodr. 1.627.(1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an entire ovarium of 2 cells, a small almost entire open calyx,
symmetrical flowers, definite erect ovules, baccate fruit, tumid joints, and a
climbing habit.
Anomalies. Leea and Lasianthera are monopetalous ; but it is doubtful
whether they belong to the order.
Essential Character. — Calyx small, nearly entire at the edge. Petals 4 or 5, inserted on
the outside of a disk surrounding the ovarium ; in aestivation turned inwards at the edge, in
a valvatc manner. Stamens equal in number to the petals, inserted upon the disk, sometimes
sterile by abortion ; filaments distinct, or slightly cohering at the base ; anthers ovate, versa-
tile. Ovarium superior, 2-cellcd ; style 1, very short ; stigma simple; ovula erect, definite.
Berry round, often by abortion 1-cellcd, pulpy. Seeds 4 or 5, or fewer by abortion, bony,
erect; albumen hard; embryo erect, about one half of the length of the albumen; radicle
taper; cotyledons lanceolate, plano-convex. — Scrambling, climbing shrubs, with tumid sepa-
rable joints. Leaves with stipuUe at the base, the lower opposite, the upper alternate, simple
118
or compound. Peduncles racemose, sometimes by abortion changing to tendrils. Flowers
small, green, [in the North American species of Vitis, polygamous.]
Affinities. The tumid joints, which separate from each other by an articu-
lation, along with the many other points of agreement in their fructification,
approximate them to Geraniacere. Their compound leaves, and their evident
relation to Leea, which is itself possibly Meliaceous, indicate their affinity to the
latter order ; and their habit and inflorescence to Caprifoliaceae, through He-
dera. The tendrils of the order are the branches of inflorescence, the flowers
of which are abortive.
Geography. Inhabitants of woods in the milder and hotter parts of both
hemispheres, especially in the East Indies.
Properties. Acid leaves, and a fruit like that of the common grape, is
the usual character of the order. The sap or tears of the. vine are a popular
remedy in France for chronic ophthalmia, but they are of little value. The
leaves, on account of their astringency, are sometimes used in diarrhoea. But
the dried fruit and wine are the really important products of the grape ; pro-
ducts which are, however, yielded by no other of the order, if we except the
Fox-grapes of North America, which scarcely deserve to be excepted. The
acid of the grape is chiefly the tartaric ; malic acid, however, exists in them.
The sugar contained in grapes differs slightly from common sugar in composi-
tion, containing a smaller quantity of carbon. Turner, 682.
M. Decandolle has 2 tribes, the last of which is doubtful.
Tribe 1. VinifeRjE, or Sarmentace^.
Corolla polypetalous. Stamens opposite the petals. Peduncles often with
tendrils.
Examples Cissus, Vitis.
Tribe 2. Leeaceje.
Corolla monopetalous. Stamens alternate 1 with the petals, often monadel-
phous. Fruit and seeds scarcely known. Tendrils wanting.
Examples. Leea, Lasianthera.
CV. MELIACEiE. The Bead-tree Tribe.
Meli.e, Juss. Gen. 263. (1789) ; Mem. Mus. 3. 436. (1817) ; Dec. Prodr. 1. 619. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens
combined in a long tube, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells with the
placental in the axis, an imbricated calyx, symmetrical flowers, definite exalbu-
minous apterous seeds with straight embryo, and sub-sessile anthers.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Sepals 4 or 5, more or less united. Petals the same number ; hy-
pogynous, conniving at the base, or even cohering, usually having a valvate aestivation. Sta-
mens twice as many as the petals (occasionally equal in number, sometimes 3 or 4 times as
many) ; filaments cohering in a long tube ; anthers sessile within the orifice of the tube. Disk
frequently highly developed, surrounding the ovarium like a cup. Ovarium single, with
several cells ; style 1 ; stigmas distinct or combined ; ovules 1 or 2 in each cell. Fruit berried,
drupaceous or capsular, many-celled, often, in consequence of abortion, 1-celled, the valves, if
present, having the dissepiments in their middle. Seeds without albumen, not winged ; cm-
bryo inverted. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, without stipules, simple or compound.
119
Affinities. This order is not well understood. It is apparently akin to
Sapindacerc, with which it agrees in habit, but from which it is distinguished
by its stamens and symmetrical flowers. To Cedreleee it is most closely allied,
and therefore connected with Rutaceae through Flindersia. Humiriaceae are
principally distinguished by their highly developed connectivum and partially
united stamens. Styraceoe are very nearly akin to Meliaceee, but they are
monopetalous.
Geography. Found principally in the hotter parts of the East and West
Indies, South America, and Africa. The common Bead-tree, Melia Azeda-
rach, has the most northern position, in Syria.
Properties. The false Winter's Bark, a good tonic and stimulant, not
much known, is yielded by Canella alba ; it is aromatic, and used as a condi-
ment in the West Indies. The bark of Guarea Trichilioides is, according to
Aublet, purgative and emetic. The root of Melia Azedarach is bitter and
nauseous, and is used in North America as anthelmintic ; the pulp that sur-
rounds the seeds is said to be deleterious ; but this is denied by M. Turpin,
who asserts that dogs which he has seen eat it experienced no inconvenience ;
and children in Carolina eat thern with impunity. Ach. R. [The fruit of
this tree is said to yield, by destructive distillation, a large quantity of inflam-
mable gas, fit for illumination and free from any disagreeable smell] It is
supposed that the Melia Azedarachta, or Neemtree of India, possesses febri-
fuge properties. See Trans, of the M. and Ph. Soc. of Calcutta, 3. 430.
A kind of Toddy, which the Hindoo doctors consider a stomachic, is obtained
by tapping this, which is also called the Margosa-tree. Ainslie, 1. 453. From
the fruit of the same plant an oil is obtained, which is fit for burning and for
other domestic purposes, and, as Ach. Richard well observes (Bot. M£d. 70S.),
is another instance, after the Olive, of the pericarp yielding that substance
which is usually obtained from the seed. This oil is said to possess antispas-
modic qualities. Dec. A warm pleasant-smelling oil is prepared from the
fruit of Trichilia speciosa, which the Indian doctors consider a valuable exter-
nal remedy in chronic rheumatism and paralytic affections. Ainslie, 2. 71.
Some delicious fruits of the Indian archipelago, called Langsat, or Lanseh,
and Ayer Ayer, are species of the genus Lansium ; they have a watery pulp,
with a cooling pleasant taste. Milnea edulis is another plant of the order,
with eatable fruit.
M. Decandolle has the following sections (Prodr. 1. 619.) :
1. Melie^e.
Cotyledons flat and leafy.
Examples. Melia, Turrsea.
2. TrichiliejE,
Cotyledons very thick.
Examples. Ekebergia, Guarea.
CVI. CEDRELE.E.
Cedbele.s:, Brown in Flinders, 64. (1814.)— Meliace*, § Cedrelca;, Dec. Prodr. I.
624. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypctalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogjnous stamens
combined in a tube, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells with the
120
placentae in the axis, an imbricated calyx, symmetrical flowers, indefinite
exalbuminous winged seeds with a straight embryo, and subsessile anthers.
Anomalies. Flindersia has dotted leaves.
Essential Character. — Calyx 5-cleft, persistent. Petals 5, sessile, inserted at the base
of a staminiferous disk, imbricated in restivation. Stamens 10, inserted on the outside,
below the apex of a hypogynous disk ; those which are opposite the petals sterile ; anthers
acuminate, attached near the base; their cells side by side, bursting' longitudinally. Disk
hypogynous, cup-shaped, with 10 plaits. Ovarium superior, 5-cellcd ; style simple ; stigma
deeply 5-lobed, peltate. Capsule separable into 5 pieces, which are combined at the base,
before bursting, with a short central axis, which is finally distinct and persistent. Placenta
central, with 5 longitudinal lobes, which occupy the cavities of the capsule, and therefore
alternate with the pieces, dividing each cavity in two ; finally becoming- loose, and having 2
(or more) seeds on each side. Seeds erect, or ascending, with their apex terminated in a
wing; testa coriaceous, thickened at the base and sides; albumen 0, (a little, Dec); cotyle-
dons flat, transverse; radicle transverse, very short, distant from the hilum, (embryo erect,
Dec.) — Leaves alternate, without stipula;, compound. Inflorescence terminal, paniclecf. R. Br.
Affinities. Nearly related to Meliacere, in whose affinities they partici-
pate. Chiefly distinguished by their winged and indefinite seeds. Flindersia,
a genus established by Mr. Brown in the Appendix to Captain Flinders' Voy-
age, differs from Cedreleae both in the insertion of its seeds, which are erect, in
the dehiscence of its capsules, and also in having movable dissepiments : these
last, however, Mr. Brown considers as segments of a common placenta, hav-
ing a peculiar form. Flindersia is also distinct from the whole order, in having
its leaves dotted with pellucid glands, in which respect it serves to connect
Cedreleae with Hesperideae (Aurantiaceee,) and, notwithstanding the absence
of albumen, even with Diosmeae. See the Jljypendix and Alias to Flinders7
Voyage.
Geography. These are common to America and India, but have not yet
been found on the continent of Africa, nor in any of the adjoining islands.
Brown Congo, 465.
Properties. The bark of Cedrela is fragrant and resinous : that of C.
Toona, and of Swietenia Mahagoni, is also accounted febrifugal. The maho-
gany wood used by cabinet-makers is the produce of the last-mentioned plant.
The bark of Swietenia febrifuga, called on the Coromandel coast the Red
Wood Tree, is a useful tonic in India in intermittent fevers ; but Dr. Ainslie
found that if given beyond the extent of 4 or 5 drachms in the 24 hours, it
deranged the nervous system, occasioning vertigo and subsequent stupor.
Oxleya xanthoxyla, a large tree, is the Yellow-wood of New South Wales.
Examples. Cedrela, Flindersia, Oxleya.
CVII. HUMIRIACEiE.
Humiriaceje, Adrien dc Jussicu in Aug. dc St. Hil. Flora Bras. Mcrid. 2. 87. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an entire ovarium of 5 cells, an imbricated calyx, symme-
trical flowers, definite pendulous ovules, a single style, albuminous seeds, fruit
without a woody axis, a dilated connectivum, and leaves without pellucid dots.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx in 5 divisions. Petals alternate with the" lobes of the
calyx, and equal to them. Stamens hypogynous, 2-celled, 4 or many times as numerous as
the petals, monadelphous ; anthers with a fleshy connectivum, extended beyond the 2 lobes.
Ovarium superior, usually surrounded by an annular or toothed disk, 5-ccllccJ, with from 1 to
121
2 suspended ovules in each cell ; style simple; stigma lobed. Fruit drupaceous, with 5 or
fewer cells. Seed with a membranous integument ; embryo straight, oblong, lying in fleshy
albumen; radicle superior. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, simple, coriaceous, without
stipulse. Flowers somewhat cymose.
Affinities. These are not well made out : they differ from Meliacese very
much inhabit, and in many respects in fructification, especially in having1 the
aestivation of the corolla quincuncial, not valvate, and the stamens sometimes
indefinite • the anthers also of Humiriacere. as Yon Martius observes, ( Nov.
Gen. fyc. 2. 147.,) are very different from Meliaceaj in the great dilatation of
their connectivum ; their albuminous seeds and slender embryo are at variance
with Meliacese. In the latter respect, and in their balsamic wood, they agree
better with Styracinere, as also in the variable direction of the embryo. Besides
these points of affinity, Von Martius compares Humiriacea? with Chlenacea?,
on account of both orders containing definite and indefinite monadelphous sta-
mens, several stigmas, partially abortive cells, inverted albuminous seeds, and
a singular complicated vernation, by which two longitudinal lines are impressed
iipon each leaf. To me it appears, that the real affinity is with Aurantiacere ;
an affinity indicated by their inflorescence, the texture of their stamens, then-
disk, their winged petioles, and their balsamic juices.
Geography. All Brazilian trees.
Properties. Humirium floribundum, when the trunk is wounded, yields
a fragrant liquid yellow balsam, called Balsam of Umiri, resembling the pro-
perties of Copaivi and Balsam of Peru. JWartius.
Examples. Humirium.
CVIU. AURANTIACE.E. The Orange Tribe.
AuEAN-TiACEiE, Corr. Ann. Mus. 6. 376. (1805) ; Mirb. Bull. Philom. 379. (1813) ; Dec. Prodr.
1. 535. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an entire ovarium of several cells, an open calyx, symmetri-
cal flowers, definite pendulous ovules, a single style, a pulpy fruit without a
woody axis, exalbuminous seeds, and compound dotted leaves.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx urceolate or campanulate, somewhat adhering to the disk,
short, 3- or 5-toothed, withering. Petals 3 to 5, broad at the base, sometimes distinct, some-
times slightly combined, inserted upon the outside of a hypogynous disk, slightly imbricated
at the edges. Stamens equal in number to the petals, or twice as many, or some multiple
of their number, inserted upon a hypogynous disk ; filaments flattened at the base, sometimes
distinct, sometimes combined in one or several parcels ; anthers terminal, innate. Ovarium
many-celled ; style 1, taper; stigma slightly divided, thickish ; Fruit pulpy, many-celled, with
a leathery rind replete with receptacles of volatile oil, and sometimes separate from the cells ;
cells often filled with pulp. Seeds attached to the axis, sometimes numerous, sometimes soli-
tary, usually pendulous, occasionally containing more embryos than one ; raphe and chalaza
usually very distinctly marked; embryo straight ; cotyledons thick, fleshy ; plumula conspicu-
ous.— Trees or shrubs, almost always smooth, and filled every where with little transparent re-
ceptacles of volatile oil. Leaves alternate, oftenicompound, always articulated with the petiole,
which is frequently winged. Spines, if present, axillary.
Affinities. Readily known by the abundance of oily receptacles which
are dispersed over all parts of them, by their deciduous petals, and compound
leaves with a winged petiole. They are nearly related to Amyriderc and Con-
naraceffi on the one hand, and to various genera of Diosmes on the other, but
are distinguished from them all by a variety of obvious characters. The raphe
26
122
and chalaza are usually distinctly marked upon the testa, and sometimes beau-
tifully. Decandolle considers the rind of the Orange to be of a different origin
and nature from the pericarpium of other fruit, and more analogous to the torus
or disk of Nelumbonese ; but if the ovarium and ripe fruit are compared, it will
be readily seen that this hypothesis is untenable, and that there is no difference
between the rind of an orange and an ordinary pericarpium.
Geography. Almost exclusively found in the East Indies, whence they
have in some cases spread over the rest of the tropics. Two or three species-
are natives of Madagascar ; one is described as found wild in the woods of Es-
sequebo ; and Prince Maximilian of Wied Neuwied speaks of a wild Orange of
Brazil, called Caranja da terra, which has by no means the debcious refreshing
qualities of the cultivated kind, but a mawkish sweet taste. Travels, 76.
Properties. The wood is universally hard and compact ; they abound in
a volatile, fragrant, bitter, exciting oil ; the pulp of the fruit is always more or
less acid. Dec. The Orange, the Lemon, the Lime, and the Citron, fruits
which, although natives of India, have now become so commom in other coun-
tries as to give a tropical character to a European dessert, are the most remark-
able products of this order. . If to this be added the excellence of their wood,
and the fragrance and beauty of their flowers, I know not if an order more in-
teresting to man can be pointed out. The fruits just mentioned are not, how-
ever, its only produce. The Wampee, a fruit highly esteemed in China and
the Indian archipelago, is the produce of Cookia punctata. The berries of Glyc-
osmis citrifolia are debcious ; those of Triphasia trifobata are extremely agree-
able. The productiveness of the common Orange is enormous. A single tree
at St. Michael's has been known to produce 20,000 oranges fit for packing, ex-
clusively of the damaged fruit and the waste, which may be calculated at one-
third more. The juice of the Lime and the Lemon contains a large quantity of
citric acid. Turner, 632. Oranges contain malic acid. lb. 634. A decoc-
tion of the root and bark of iEgle Marmelos is supposed, on the Malabar coast,
to be a sovereign remedy in hypochondriasis, melancholia, and palpitation of
the heart ; the leaves in decoction are used in asthmatic complaints, and the
fruit a little unripe is given in diarrhoea and dysentery. Roxburgh adds, that the
Dutch in Ceylon prepare a perfume from the rind ; the fruit is most debcious to
the taste, and exquisitely fragrant and nutritious, but laxative ; the mucus of
the seed is a good cement for some purposes. Ainslie, 2. 87. The leaves of
Bergera Konigii are considered by the Hindoos stomachic and tonic ; an infu-
sion of them toasted stops vomiting. The green leaves are used raw in dysen-
tery ; the bark and root internally as stimuli. Ibid. 2. 139. The young leaves
of Feronia elephantum have, when bruised, a most delightful smell, very much
resembling anise. The native practitioners of India consider them stomachic
and carminative. Its gum is very like gum arabic. Ibid. 2. 83.
Examples. Citrus, Limonia, Bergera.
CIX. SPONDIACEjE. The Hogplum Tribe.
Sfondiaceje. Kunth in Ann. Sc. Nat. 2. 362. (1824).— TeuebintacejE, trib. 3. Dec. Prodr. 2.
74. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with 10 perigynous stamens, con-
crete carpella, a superior ovarium of several cells, regular flowers, an annular
disk, solitary pendulous ovula, and alternate pinnated leaves with pellucid dots.
Anomalies.
123
Kssential Character.— Flotcers sometimes diclinous. Calyx 5-cleft, regular, persistent
or deciduous. Petals 5, inserted below a disk surrounding- the ovarium, somewhat valvate or
imbricate in aestivation. Stamens 10, perigynous, arising- from the same part as the petals.
Disk annular, in the sterile flowers orbicular, with 10 indentations. Ovarium superior, sessile,
from 2- to 5-cellcd ; styles 5, very short ; stigmas obtuse; ovulurn 1 in each cell, pendulous.
Fruit drupaceous, 2-5-celled. Seeds without albumen ; cotyledons plano-convex ; radicle su-
perior, pointing" to the hilum (inferior in Spondias, according to Gazrtner). — Trees without
spine*. Leaves alternate, unequally pinnate, without pellucid dots, a few simple leaves occa-
sionally intermixed. Stipules 0. Injlorescence axillary and terminal in panicles or racemes.
Affinities. Very near Anacardiacese in the structure of their fruit which
is almost that of Mangifera, except that it is compound and not simple ; desti-
tute, however, of the resinous juice of that order. They are remarkable for
the great development of their disk.
Geography. Natives of the West Indies, the Society Islands, andthe Isle
of Bourbon.
Properties. The fruit of the several species of Spondias is eatable in the
West Indies, where they are called Hog Plums.
Example. Spondias.
CX. CONNARACE^E.
Terebintaceje, Juss. Gen. 368.(1789.) in part. — CoNNARACEiE, R. Brown in Congo, 431.
(1818); Kunth in Ann. Sc. Nat. 2. 359. (1824.)— Terebintace*, trib 7. Dec. Prodr.2.
84. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
anthers bursting by longitudinal slits, distinct simple carpella, exstipulate leaves
without pellucid dots, no albumen, and terminal stigmas.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoclinous, rarely diclinous. Calyx 5-parted, regular,
persistent; aestivation either imbricate or valvular. Petals 5, inserted on the calyx, imbri-
cated, rarely valvate in aestivation. Stamens twice the number of petals, hypogynous, those
opposite the petals shorter than the others; filaments usually monadelphous. Ovarium soli-
tary and simple, or several, each with a separate style and stigma ; ooula 2, collateral, ascend-
ing- ; styles terminal ; stigmas usually dilated. Fruit dehiscent, single or several together,
splitting lengthwise internally. Seeds erect, in pairs or solitary, with or without albumen,
often with an arillus ; radicle superior, at the extremity opposite the hilum ; cotyledons thick
in the species without albumen, foliaceousin those with albumen. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves
compound, not dotted, alternate, without stipuke. Flowers terminal and axillary, in racemes
or panicles, with bracteae.
Affinities. Connarus can only be distinguished from Leguminosffi by the
relation the parts of its embryo have to the umbilicus of the seed, {Brown in
Congo, 432.) ; that is to say, by the radicle being at the extremity most remote
from the hilum. This observation must, however, be understood to refer only
to some particular cases in Leguminosse, and also to the fructification ; the want
of stipulaj and regular flowers being usually sufficient to point them out. From
Anacardiacere and other Terebintaceous orders they are at once known by the
total want of resinous juice.
Geography. All found in the tropics of Asia, Africa, and America.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Connarus, Omphalobium.
124
CXI. AMYRIDE^E.
Terebintaceje, Juss. Gen. 368. (1789) inpart.— Amyride*, R. Brown in Congo,43l. (1816);
Kunth in Ann. Sc. Nat. 2. 353. 1824).— Terebintaceje, trib. 5. Dec. Prodr. 2. 81. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
anthers bursting by longitudinal slits, distinct simple carpella, exstipulate dotted
leaves, and no albumen.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx, small regular, persistent in 4 divisions. Petals 4, hypo-
gynous, with imbricated aestivation. Stamens double the number of the petals, hypogynous.
Ovarium superior, 1-celled, seated on a thickened disk ; stigma sessile, capitate ; ovules 2,
pendulous. Fruit indehiscent, sub-drupaceous, 1-seeded, glandular. Seed without albu-
men ; cotyledons fleshy ; radicle superior, very short.— Trees or shrubs, abounding in resin.
Leaves opposite, compound, with pellucid dots. Inflorescence axillary and terminal, panicled.
Pericarpium covered with granular glands, filled with an aromatic oil.
Affinities. The general structure of this order is that of Anacardiacere,
but in qualities it more nearly resembles Burseraceae. M. Kunth suggests in
relation to Aurantiacese, to which its dotted leaves, capitate stigmas, and peri-
carpia filled with reservoirs of oil, appear to approximate it.
Ceography. Natives exclusively of the tropics of India and America,
with the exception of one species found in Florida.
Properties. Fragrant resinous shrubs. The Gum Elemi Tree of Nevis
is, according to Dr. Hamilton, a plant related to the genus Amyris, which he
calls A. 1 hexandra. Prodr. Fl. hid. 35. The gum resin, called Bdellium, is
probably produced by a species of Amyris, the Niouttout of Adanson, accord-
ing to Virey. Hist. Nat. des Mtd. 291. The layers of the liber of a species
of Amyris were found by M. Cailliaud to be used by the Nubian Mahometans
as paper, on which they write their legends. Delile Cent. 13. Amyris toxife-
ra is said to be poisonous. Dec. Resin of Coumia is produced by A. ambro-
siaca. Ibid.
Example. Amyris.
CXII. BURSERACEAE.
TerebintacejE, Juss. Gen. 368.(1789) inpart. — Burseraceje, Kunth in Ann. Sc. Nat. 2. 333.
(1824).— Tehebintaceje, trib. 4. Dec. Prodr. 2. 75. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with 2 or 4 times as many peri-
gynous stamens as petals, concrete carpella, a superior ovarium of several
cells, regular flowers, an annular disk, collateral ovules, and pinnated alternate
leaves without pellucid dots.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Floroers monoclinous, occasionally diclinous. Calyx persistent,
somewhat regular, with from 2 to 5 divisions. Petals 3-5, inserted below a disk arising from
the calyx ; (estivation usually valvate. Stamens 2 or 4 times as many as the petals, perigy-
nous, all fertile. Disk orbicular or annular. Ovarium 2-5-celled, superior, sessile ; style 1 or
0 ; stigmas equal in number to the cells ; ovula in pairs, attached to the axis, collateral. Fruit
drupaceous, 2-5 celled, with its outer part often splitting into valves. Seeds without albumen ;
cotyledons either wrinkled and plaited, or fleshy ; radicle superior, straight, turned towards the
hiluin. — Trees or shrubs, abounding in balsam, resin, or gum. Leaves alternate, unequally
pinnate, occasionally with stipulcc, usually without pellucid dots. Flowers axillary or ter-
minal, in racemes or panicles.
125
Affinities. Differ from Anacardiacese, to which they are closely allied in
their compound ovarium and pinnated leaves, and also in the very generally
valvule aestivation of the calyx.
Geography. Exclusively natives of tropical India, Africa, and America.
Properties. They have all an abundance of fragrant resinous juice, which
is, however, destitute of the acridity and staining property of Anacardiacere.
The resin of Boswellia is used in India as frankincense, and also as pitch. It
is hard and brittle, and, according to Dr. Roxburgh, is boiled with some low-
priced oil, to render it soft and fit for use. The native doctors prescribe it,
mixed with ghee, (clarified butter,) in cases of gonorrhoea, and also in what they
call Ritta Kaddapoo, which signifies flux accompanied with blood. The wood
is heavy, hard, and durable. Ainslie, 1. 137. The Boswellia serrata, called
Libanus thurifera by Colebrooke, produces the gum-resin Olibanum, a substance
chiefly used as a grateful incense, but which also possesses stimulant, astrin-
gent, and diaphoretic properties. Ibid. 1. 267. A kind of coarse resin is
obtained from Boswellia glabra, and is used boiled with oil for pitching the
bottoms of ships. Ibid. The Bursera paniculata, called Bois de Colophane in
the Isle of France, gives out, from the slightest wound in the bark, a copious
flow of limpid oil of a pungent turpentine odour, which soon congeals to the
consistence of butter, assuming the appearance of camphor. Breivster, 2. 182.
The gum 'of Canarium commune has the same properties as the Balsam of
Capaiva ; the three-cornered nuts are eaten in Java both raw and dressed,
and an oil is expressed from them, which is used at table when fresh, and for
burning when stale. The raw nuts, however, are apt to bring on diarrhoea.
Jlinslie, 2. 60. Balsam of Acouchi is produced by Icica acuchini, Gum elemi
by Icica heptophylla, Balm of Gilead by Balsamodendron Gileadense, Opobal-
samum, or Balsam of Mecca, by B. opobalsamum, a substance like Gum elemi
by Icica Icicariba and Carana, and a yellow concrete essential oil by Bursera
acuminata.
Examples. Boswellia, Bursera, Balsamodendrum.
CXIII. ANACARDIACEiE. The Cashew Tribe.
Terebintaceje, Juss. Gen. 368. (1789) in part. Cassuvieje or Anacardiete, Brown in
Congo, 431. (1818).— Terebintace-k, Kunth in Ann. des Sc. Nat. 2. 333. (1824.) Trib. 1
and 2. Dec. Prodr. 2. 62. tf-c. (1825) ; Juss. Diet, des Sc. Nat. v. 53. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous stamens, a su-
perior simple ovarium, solitary exalbuminous seeds, and alternate exstipulate
leaves without pellucid dots.
Anomalies. There is according to Mr. Brown (Congo, 431.) an unpub-
lished genus of this order, with ovarium inferior. The stamens of Melanorhaea
are indefinite and hypogynous.
Essential Character. — Mowers usually diclinous. Calyx usually small and persistent,
with 5, or occasionally 3-4, or 7 divisions. Petals equal in number to the segments of the
calyx, perigynous, (occasionally wanting,) imbricated in aestivation. Stamens equal in num-
ber to the petals, and alternate with them, or twice as many or even more, equal or alter-
nately shorter, or partly sterile ; filaments distinct, or in the genera without a disk cohering at
the base. Disk tleshy, annular or cup-shaped, hypogynous,_ occasionally wanting. Ovarium
single, very rarely 5 or 6, of which 4 or 5 arc abortive, superior, (very rarely inferior,) 1-cclled ;
styles I or 3, occasionally 4", sometimes none ; stigmas as many ; ovulum solitary, attached by
a cord to the bottom of the cell. Fruit indchisccnt, most commonly drupaceous. Seed with-
out albumen ; radicle either superior or inferior, but always directed towards the hilum,
sometimes curved suddenly back ; cotyledons thick and flesny, or leafy. — TVees or shrubt,
with a resinous, gummy, caustic, or even milky, juice. Leaves alternate, simple, or ternate
or unequally pinnate, without pellucid dots. Flowers terminal or axillary, with bractesc.
126
Affinities. The order called Terebintaceae by Jussieu and many other
botanists has been broken up into several by Brown and Kunth, but preserved
entire by Decandolle, who does not, however, appear to have devoted particular
attention to the subject. I follow the former botanists, abandoning .altogether
the name Terebintace?e, which is about equally applicable to either Anacar-
diacea?, Burseraceas, Connaracese, Spondiacese, or Amyridea?, the five orders
which have been formed at its expense. All these are nearly related to each
other, and whatever affinity is borne by one of them will be participated in by
them all in a greater or less degree. They are distinguished from Rhamneas by
their resinous juice, superior ovarium, imbricated calyx, and stamens not op-
posite the petals ; from Celastrineaa by several of the same characters, and
want of albumen : from Rosacea? and Leguminosre by their definite stamens,
dotted leaves, very minute stipulre if any, resinous juice, solitary ovula, or by
some one or other of these characters. To Diosmese they approach very nearly,
and also to Xanthoxylea?, from which some of them differ in their perigynous
stamens. Melanorham is remarkable for its indefinite stamens, and especially
for its hypogynous petals becoming enlarged, foliaceous, and deep red as the
fruit advances to maturity.
Geography. Chiefly natives of tropical America, Africa, and India ; a few
are found .beyond the tropics,both to the north and the south. Pistacias and some
species of Rhus inhabit the south of Europe ; many of the latter genus occupy
stations in North America and Northern India, and also at the Cape of Good
Hope ; Duvaua and Schinus inhabit exclusively Chile and the adjacent dis-
tricts.
Properties. Large trees, with inconspicuous flowers, abounding in a
resinous, sometimes acrid, highly poisonous juice, are the ordinary repre-
sentatives of this order, to which belong the Cashew nut, the Pistacia nut, and
the Mango fruit. Some trees are celebrated for yielding a clammy juice, which
afterwards turns black, and is used for varnishing in India. One kind is from
the common Cashew nut. The varnish of S3dhet is chiefly procured from
Semecarpus anacardium, the marking-nut tree of commerce ; and the varnish
of Martaban from a plant called by Dr. Wallich Melanorha?a usitatissima.
All these varnishes are extremely dangerous to some constitutions ; the skin,
if rubbed with them, inflames, and becomes covered with pimples that are diffi-
cult to heal ; the fumes have been known to produce a painful swelling and
inflammation of the skin, which in a case recorded by Dr. Brewster extended
from the hands as far as the face and eyes, which became swelled to an alarming
degree. I have known an instance of similar effects having been produced by
roasting the nuts of Anacardium occidentale. But there are some constitutions
that are not affected in any degree by such poisons. These varnishes are at
first white, and afterwards become black. This has been ascertained by Dr.
Brewster to arise from the recent varnish being an organised substance, consist-
ing of an immense congeries of small parts, which disperse the sun's rays in all
directions, like a thin film of unmelted tallow ; while the varnish which has
been exposed to the air loses its organised structure, becomes homogeneous,
and then transmits the sun's rays of a rich, deep, uniform red colour. Brew-
ster, 8. 100. The same is probably the substance mentioned by Dr. Ainslie
(1. 190.) as the Black Lac of the Burmah country, with which the natives
lacker various kinds of ware. A valuable black hard varnish is obtained from
Stagmaria vemiciflua in the Indian archipelago ; this resin is extremely acrid,
causing excoriations and blisters if applied to the skin. Ed. P. J. 6. 400. A
black varnish well known in India is manufactured from the nuts of Semecar-
pus anacardium and the berries of Holigama longifolia. Ibid. 4. 450. The
leaves of some species of Schinus are so filled with a resinous fluid, that the
least degree of unusual repletion of the tissue causes it to be discharged ; thus
127
some of them fill the air with fragrance after rain ; and S. Molle and some
others expel their resin with such violence when immersed in water as to have
the appearance of spontaneous motion, in consequence of the recoil. Schinus
Arroeira is said by M. Auguste St. Hilaire to cause swellings in those who
sleep under its shade. Ibid. 14. 267. The fresh juicy bark of the Arueira
shrub (Schinus Molle) is used in Brazil for rubbing newly made ropes, which
it covers with a very durable, bright, dark brown coating. The juice of the
same plant is applied by the Indians in diseases of the eyes. Pr. JMaxim.
Trav. 270. This last plant, and also Rhus coriaria, possess .acid qualities.
The fruit of Cassuvium occidentals and Anacardium orientale is said to exer-
cise a singular effect upon the brain. Virey Bull. Pharm. 1814, p. 271. Mas-
tich is the produce of Pistacia atlantica and Lentiscus ; Scio turpentine is
yielded by Pistacia Terebinthus ; a substance like mastich is exuded by
Schinus Molle, and the Peruvians use it for strengthening their gums. The
juice of many species of Rhus is milky, stains black, and is sometimes ex-
tremely poisonous, [particularly R. vernix and R. toxicodendron. Big. J\>Ied.
Bot. 1. 96. Raf. Med. Bot. 2. 256.] Rhus coriaria is used by tanners. [R.
glabrum and typhinum arc employed in the United States for tanning morocco.]
The bark of Rhus glabrum is considered a febrifuge, and is also employed as
a mordant for red colours. Several Comocladias stain the skin black. Dec.
Decandolle distinguishes 2 sections of this order (Prodr. 2. 62.), viz.
1. ANACARDIEiE.
Cotyledons thick, folded back upon the radicle.
Examples. Anacardium, Iloligarna, Mangifera.
2. SumachinejE.
Cotyledons foliaceous. Radicles bent back upon their line of union.
Examines. Rhus, Mauria.
CXIV. XANTHOXYLE^E.
TerebintacejE, Juss. Gen. 368. (1789) in part. — Xanthoxylej;, Aces and Marlins in Nov.
Act. Bonn. 11. (1823) ; Adricn de Jussicu Rutacees, p. 114. (1825.) — PteleacejE, Kunth
Ann. des Sc. 2. 354. (1824.)— Terebintace^, trib. 6. Dec. Prodr. 2. 82. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypog3rnous stamens,
partially concrete carpella, an imbricated calyx, symmetrical diclinous flowers,
definite pendulous ovules, capsular or drupaceous fruit, and exstipulate dotted
leaves.
Anomalies. Many species have distinct carpella.
Essential Character. — Flowers diclinous, regular. Calyx in 3, or more commonly in 4
or 5 divisions. • Petals the same number, very rarely none, usually longer than the calyx ;
aestivation generally twisted, convolute. Stamens equal to the petals in number, or twice as
many, arising from around the base of the stalk of the abortive carpella ; in the pistilliferous
flowers wanting or imperfect. Ovarium made up of the same number of pieces as there are
petals, or of a smaller number, either altogether combined, or more or less distinct; ovules
in each cell 2, collateral, or one above the other, very seldom 4 ; styles more or less combined,
according to the degree of cohesion of the carpella. Fruit either berried or membranous,
sometimes of from 2 to 5 cell3, sometimes consisting of several drupes or 2-valved capsules,
of which the sarcocarp is fleshy and partly separable from the endocarp. Seeds solitary or
twin, pendulous, usually smooth and shining, with a testaceous integument; embryo lying
within fleshy albumen; radicle superior; cotyledons ovate, fiat. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves
without stipula?, alternate or opposite, either simple, or more commonly abruptly or unequally
pinnate, with pellucid dots. Flowers axillary or terminal, gray, green, or pink. The various
parts bitter or aromatic.
128
Affinities. This is one of the families which comprehend genera with
both distinct and concrete carpella ; the latter are often entirely distinct, even
in the ovarium ; but most frequently there is a union, or at least a cohesion, of
the styles, by which their tendency to concretion may be recognised. In a
few instances the carpella are absolutely solitary. " The place originally
assigned, and for a long time preserved, for most of the genera of Xanthoxyleae,
proves sufficiently how near the affinity is between them and Terebintaceae.
If, with Messrs. Brown and Kunth, the latter are divided into several orders,
Xanthoxyleae will be most immediately allied to Burseraceae and Connaiaceae,
agreeing with the former in the genera with a simple fruit, and with the latter
in those with a compound one. Notwithstanding the distance which usually
intervenes in classifications between Aurantiaceae and Terebintaceae, there are
nevertheless many points of resemblance between them ; Correa has pointed
out a passage from one to the other through. Cookia ; Kunth, in new-model-
ling the genus Amyris, and in considering it the type of a distinct order, sus-
pects its near affinity with Aurantiaceae ; we cannot, therefore, be surprised at
the existence also of relations between the latter and Xanthoxyleae. A mix-
ture of bitter and aromatic principles, the presence of receptacles of oil that are
scattered over every part, which give a pellucid dotted appearance to the
leaves, and which cover the rind of the fruit with opaque spaces, — all these
characters give the two families a considerable degree of analogy. This has
already been indicated by M. de Jussieu in speaking of Toddalia, and in his
remarks upon the families of Aurantiaceae and Terebintaceae ; and it is con-
firmed by the continual mixture, in all large herbaria, of unexamined plants of
Terebintaceae, Xanthoxyleae, and Aurantiaceae. The fruit of the latter is,
however, extremely different ; their seeds resembling, as they do, Terebinta-
ceae, are on that very account at variance with Xanthoxyleae, but at the same
time establish a further point of affinity between them and some Rutaceous
plants which are destitute of albumen. Diclinous flowers, fruit separating
into distinct cocci, seeds solitary or twin in these cocci, enclosing a usually
smooth and blackish integument, which is even sometimes hollowed out on its
inner edge, a fleshy albumen surrounding an embryo, the radicle of which is
superior, are all points of analogy between Xanthoxyleae and Euphorbiaceae,
particularly between those which have in their sterile flowers from 4 to 8 sta-
mens inserted round the rudiment of a pistil, and in the fertile flowers cells
with 2 suspended, usually collateral, ovules. Finally, several Xanthoxjdeous
plants have in their habit, and especially in their foliage, a marked resem-
blance to the .Ash. The dioecious flowers of Fraxinus, its ovarium, the two
cells of which are compressed, having a single style, 2 ovules in the inside,
and scales on the outside, and which finally changes into a samara which is
1-celled and 1-seeded by abortion, all establish certain points of contact be-
tween Ptelea and Fraxinus." Ad. de Juss.
Geography. Most of the species belong to America, especially to the
tropical parts ; some are found in temperate regions ; they arc rare in Africa ;
some exist in the Isles of France and Madagascar, many are natives of India
and China, and 1 is found in New Holland.
Properties. Nearly all aromatic and pungent. The Fagaras are popu-
larly called Peppers in the countries where they arc found. Xanthoxylum
Clava and fraxineum are powerful sudorifics and diaphoretics ; they are
remarkable, according to Barton, for their extraordinary power in exciting sali-
vation, whether applied immediately to the gums or taken internally : these
two plants are reputed to have been used successfully in paralysis of the
muscles of the mouth and in rheumatic affections. [Bigelow, 3. 156.] Xan-
thoxylum caribaeum is held to be a febrifuge. Dec. A plant called Coen-
trilho in Brazil (Xanthoxylum hiemalc) is employed as a remedy for pain in
129
the ear, for which purpose the powder of its bark is made use of. Its wood is
very hard, and valuable for building. PL Usuelles, 37. The fruit of Ptelea
has a strong, bitter, aromatic taste, and is said to have been used with some
success as a substitute for hops. Dec. The bark of a species of Brucea is
stated by Dr. Horsfield to be of a bitter nature, and to possess properties
similar to those of Quassia Simarouba. Mmlie, 2. 105. The Brucea anti-
dysenterica contains a poisonous principle called Brucia, which is similar in its
effects to Strychnia, but 12 or 16 times less energetic than that alkali.
Turner, 652.
Examples. Xanthoxylum, Toddalia, Blackburnia.
CXV. DIOSMEZE. The Bucku Tribe.
Diosmeje, R. Brown in Flinders, (1814.)— Rutaceje, Dec. Prodi: 1. 709. (1824) chiefly.—
Diosmeje, Ad. dc Jussieu Rutacees, 1. 83. (1825.)— Fraxinelleje, Nees and Mariius
Nor. Act. Bonn. 11. 149. (1823.)— Cusparieje, Dec. Mem. Mus. 9. 141. (1822); Prodr.
1. 729. (1824,) a%of Rutacea?.
• Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an entire ovarium of several cells, an imbricated calyx, sym-
metrical monoclinous flowers, 2 ovules, endocarp separable from the sarcocarp
as a 2-valved coccus, and exstipulate dotted leaves.
Anomalies. Some of the genera are monopetalous, others have the car-
pella in great part distinct. Empleurum has no petals. Dictamnus and some
others have irregular ' flowers and more ovules than 2. According to Mr.
Brown, there is a New Holland genus, with perigynous stamens, 10 segments
of the calyx, 10 petals, and indefinite stamens.
Essential Character.— Flowers monoclinous, regular or irregular. Calyx in 4 or 5
divisions. Petals either as many as the divisions of the calyx, distinct, or combined into a
kind of spurious monopetalous corolla, or occasionally wanting ; aestivation for the most part
twisted-convolute, very rarely somewhat valvular. Stamens equal in number to the petals,
or twice as many, or even fewer in consequence of abortion, hypogynous, very rarely perigy-
nous, placed on the outside of a disk or cup surrounding the ovarium, and either free or com-
bined with the base of the calyx, or sometimes obsolete. Ovarium sessile or stalked, its lobes
equal to the number of petals, or fewer ; ovules twin and collateral, or one above the other,
very rarely 4 ; style single, occasionally divided towards the base into as many parts as there
are lobes of the ovarium ; stigma simple or dilated. Fruit consisting of several capsules,
either cohering firmly or more or less distinct; the endocai-p separating entirely from the
sarcocarp, which is 2-valved ; the former 2-valved also, the valves dividing at the base, but
connected by a membrane which bears the seeds. Seeds twin or solitary, with a testaceous
integument ; embryo with a superior radicle, which is either straight or oblique, and cotyle-
dons of variable form ; albumen none.— Trees or shrubs, very rarely herbaceous plants.
Leaves without stipulaj, opposite or alternate, simple or pinnate, covered with pellucid resin-
ous dots. Flowers axillary or terminal. All the parts aromatic.
Affinities. M. A. de Jussieu, from whose excellent memoir upon Ruta-
cese I have borrowed the greater part of my remarks upon Rutacerc, Zygo-
phyllere, Xanthoxylere, and Simarubaceae, speaks thus of Diosmese (M&n.
p. 19.):
" Diosmere are the group to which Mr. Brown gives that name, with the
exception, however, of some of the genera which he refers to it ; and they
are that by the characters of which botanists have generally defined Rutacea?.
It is not necessary to describe the floral envelopes, the stamens, the disk, or
the structure of the seed, because these parts vary according to the sections,
which are in part characterized by their differences, and they will be better
examined in their respective places. But it is important to understand the
27
130
ovaria, and especially the pericarp, the structure of which is very character-
istic. The ovaria, whether combined by their central axis, or more or less
distinct, always contain 2 ovula ; if 4, or sometimes but 1, are found, this
occurs only in genera stationed at the extreme limits of the group. They are
collateral, or more frequently placed one above the other, and then one is
usually ascending, and the other suspended. This position, which at first
sight appears singular, is very natural ; for the ovary is usually pierced by
the vessels of the style only in the middle, and it is at that point that the two
ovules are inserted, both at nearly the same height. If, therefore, they are
placed one above the other, it is indispensable that one should ascend, and the
other descend. These ovules may be considered peritropal, rather than either
ascending or suspended, or, in other terms, attached by their middle rather
than by either extremity." — " If the ovarium of a Diosmea is divided across,
its coat will be found to consist of two layers, the outer rather the most fleshy,
and the inner thin or almost absent on the side next the axis, the side which is
traversed from bottom to top by the vessels of the peduncle. These vessels,
at a certain height, meet those of the style, either at the point of its insertion
or below it ; united to these, they penetrate the cavity of the cell, the shell
of which they pierce, and there form funiculi, to which the ovula are attached.
Thus far the structure of Diosmese is little different from that of other Ruta-
ceous plants. But this becomes modified as the ovarium advances towards
the state of fruit. The endocarp hardens by degrees, and at the same time
separates from the sarcocarp. Its form resembles that of a bivalve shell, and
may be more especially compared to that of a muscle ; it presents two extre-
mities, one superior, the other inferior, two lateral faces which are more or less
convex, and two edges more or less acute, which unite them, the one external,
the other internal. The two valves are woody and touch at the edges, except
perhaps at a part of their inside where they are separated ; this space is filled
by a membrane which passes from one to the other : it is either slightly fleshy,
or, which is more common, extremely thin, thickened in the middle by the
passage of the vessels of the seed which penetrate it ; and as, after having
pierced it, they are almost immediately inserted into the seed, the latter appears
to be actually borne by the membrane itself. When the fruit is perfectly ripe,
the sarcocarp of each cell opens from above inwards, following a longitudinal
furrow, which had become visible some time previously. Its inner surface is
seen to be covered by projecting lignified vessels, which are directed obliquely
from the inner edge towards the outer, and are indicated externally by some
transverse projections. The endocarp is loose in the inside of the shell, unless
at its membrane, by means of which it continues to preserve some degree of
adhesion with the other parts ; but it soon opens, the two valves separate in
different directions, and force out the seeds. When this separation takes place,
the membrane is torn all round, and either falls away or sticks to the seed.
In the latter case it is found attached to the hilum, if one seed only has
ripened ; but then in removing it, the remains of the abortive ovule may be
found on one side. If both seeds have arrived at maturity, they are usually
seen one resting on the other by their contiguous flattened extremities, and the
membrane extends along their inner edge, being enlarged at their point of con-
tact, where two transverse prolongations are perceptible."
M. A. de Jussieu then proceeds to point out the inaccuracy of calling, with
some, this endocarp an arillus, — a name which, as Auguste St. Ililaire some-
where remarks, has been applied to as many different things as the Linnaean
term nectarium ; or, with others, applying the same name to the persistent
membrane.
Diosmece are nearly related to Rutacese, from which they differ in the re-
markable structure of their fruit , and in having two ovula in each cell ; with
131
Humiriacere they have an analogy through the tribe called Cusparieae, some of
which have monadelphous stamens ; with Aurantiacere they agree in their
dotted leaves, definite stamens, occasional production of double embryos, fleshy
disk, and sometimes in habit in the tribe of Cusparieae. Xanthoxyleae and Si-
marubacese accord with them in a multitude of points.
Geography. One genus, Dictamnus, is found in the south of Europe.
The Cape of Good Hope is covered with different species of Diosma and nearly
allied genera ; New Holland abounds in Boronias, Phebaliums, Correas, Erioste-
mons, and the like ; great numbers inhabit the equinoctial regions of America.
Properties. The Diosmas, or Bucku plants, of the Cape, are well known
for their powerful and usually offensive odour ; they are recommended as an-
tispasmodics. The American species possess, in many cases, febrifugal pro-
perties. There is an excellent bark of this nature, used by the Catalan Capuchin
friars of the missions on the river Carony in South America, called the GLuina de
la Guayna, or de la Angostura, or Angostura, bark: this, which has been succes-
sively ascribed toBrucea ferruginea and twospecies of Magnolia, isnow known to
be the produce of Cusparia febrifuga (Bonplandia trifoliata W.) a plant of this
family. Humb. Cinch. For. p. 38. £«g. ed. Evodia febrifuga, one of the Q.ui-
nas of Brazil, has a bark so powerfully febrifugal as to compete with that of
Cinchona. A bark much spoken of by the miners of Brazil, under the name
of Casca de larangeira da terra, and in which Cinchonine was detected by Dr.
Gomez, probably belongs to this tree. PL Usuelles, no. 4. One of the Q,uinas
of Brazil is the Ticorea febrifuga : its bark is a powerful medicine in the inter-
mittent fevers, ibid. 16. Hortia Braziliana possesses similar properties, but
in a less degree. Ibid. 17. An infusion of the leaves of Ticorea jasminiflora
is drank in Brazil as a remedy for the disease called by the Brazilian Portu-
guese Bobas, and by the French Frambresia. A. St. Hil. Hist. 141. Dictam-
nus abounds in volatile oil to such a degree, that the atmosphere surrounding it
actually becomes inflammable in hot weather. Its root was formerly employed
as a sudorific and vermifuge.
A. de Jussieu divides the species of this order geographically, and, what is
very singular, he finds their fructification in accord with their geographical dis-
tribution. His sections are :
1. European.
One from the south of Europe.
2. Cape.
All from the Cape of Good Hope, and scarcely extending beyond the colony.
3. Australasian.
Inhabitants of New Holland, within or without the tropics, and Van Die-
rnen's Island.
4. American.
Sect. I. South America, New Zealand, the Friendly Islands, Mexico.
Sect. II. (Cusparieae, Dec. Fraxinellae, Nces and Martins chiefly.) South
America, West Indies.
Examples. Diosma, Adenandra, Agathosma, Monniera, Ticorea.
132
CXVI. RUTACE/E. The Rue Tribe.
Rutje, Juss. Gen. 296. (1789) in part. Rutace.e, Dec. Prodr. 1. 709. (1824) in part.— Ru-
teje, Adrien de Juss. Rulacees 78. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an entire ovarium of several cells, an imbricated calyx, sym-
metrical monoclinous flowers, capsular fruit, endocarp not separable from the
sarcocarp, and exstipulate dotted leaves.
Anomalies. Cyminosma differs in habit from the rest.
Essential Character.— Floicers monoclinous, regular. Calyx with 4 or 5 divisions. Pe-
tals alternate with the divisions of the calyx, with a twisted-convolute aestivation, rarely con-
volute, or twisted separately. Stamens 2 or occasionally 3 times as many as the petals, in-
serted round the base of the stalk of the calyx, which is sometimes disciform. Ovarium di-
vided more or less deeply into 3 or 5 lobes, with from 3 to 5 cells ; ovules in each cell 4, or
from 4 to 20, pendulous, or attached to the axis ; style simple, or often (in the ovaries which
are deeply lobed) separated at the base; stigma 3- or 5-cornered, or furrowed. Capsule either
with 3 loculicidal valves, or with from 4 to 5 lobes, which open internally at the apex ; the sar-
cocarp not separable from the endocarp. Seeds often fewer than the ovules, pendulous or ad-
nate, reniform, pitted, with a testaceous integument ; embryo lying within fleshy albumen,
white or greenish; radicle superior; cotyledons flat. Ad. J.— Herbaceous plants, or small
shrubs. Leaves without stipula; (with one exception), alternate, simple, deeply lobed, or pin-
nate, commonly with pellucid dots. Flowers often with a centrifugal inflorescence, white, or
more frequently yellow.
Affinities. Allied to Zygophylleae by Peganum, which A. de Jussieu ac-
tually places with Rutacea?, although its stipulate leaves destitute of pellucid
dots appear to determine its greatest affinity to be with Zygophyllere. From
Diosmeoe they differ in scarcely any thing except the dehiscence of their fruit.
Geography. Found in the south of Europe, whence they extend in our
hemisphere as far as the limits of the Old World, following the southern part
of the tempeiate zone, and very rarely advancing within the tropics. Ad.
de J.
Properties. Their powerful odour and their bitterness characterize them ;
they act principally on the nerves. Common Rue, and another species, are
said to be emmenagogue, anthelmintic, and sudorific.
Examples. Ruta, Peganum.
CXVII. CORIARIE^E.
CoRiAniEiE, Dec. Prodr. 1. 739. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
anthers bursting by longitudinal slits, 5 distinct simple carpella surrounding a
fleshy axis, exstipulate leaves without pellucid dots, no albumen, filiform stig-
mas, and sepaloid petals.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers either monoclinous, or monoecious, or dicecious. Calyx
campanulatc, 5-parted, ovate. Petals 5, alternate with the lobes of the calyx, and smaller
than they are, fleshy, with an elevated keel in the inside. Stamens 10, arising from the torus,
5 between the lobes of the calyx and the angles of the ovarium, 5 between the petals and the
furrows of the ovarium ; filaments filiform; anthers oblong, 2-cclled. Ovarium seated on a
thickish torus, 5-cclled, 5-angled; style 0; stigmas 5, long, subulate; ovula solitary, pendu-
lous. Carpella 5, when ripe close together but separate, indchiscent, 1-seeded, surrounded
with glandular lobes. Seed pendulous; albumen none; embryo straight; radicle superior;
133
cotyledons 2, fleshy. — Shrubs, with opposite square branches, often 3 on each side, 2 of them
being secondary to an intermediate principal one. Leaves opposite, simple, 3-ribbed, entire,
ovate, or cordate. Buds scaly. Racemes terminal, simple, leafy at the base ; pedicels often
with two little bractea; in the middle.
Affinities. Placed by M. Decandolle immediately after Ochnaceae, with
which the order no doubt agrees, in having its ovaria distinct, and surrounding
a fleshy axis ; but the stigmata in Coriariese are long, linear, and distinct, with
no style, while Ochnaceae have a single style connecting the carpella and mi-
nute stigmas; the former, therefore, are apocarpous, the latter syncarpous.
Coriarieaa are also certainly allied to Rulaceae, but they differ from them as they
do from Ochnaceae ; and besides, the carpella are in Rutacea; connate. With
Connaracere they agree in several points, while they are different in others.
Upon the whole, their exact affinity may be considered unsettled.
M. Decandolle understands Coriaria as apetalous, but I do not see upon
what principle, either of structure or analogy. In his Essai sur les Proprittes
Midicales he referred it to the vicinity of Rhamneae, p. 350. Jussieu referred
it to Malpighiaceae.
Geography. 4 from Peru, 1 from the south of Europe and North of
Africa, 1 from New Zealand, and 1 from Mexico.
Properties. Coriaria myrtifolia is used by dyers for staining black. Its
fruit is poisonous. It is said that several soldiers of the French army in Ca-
talonia were affected by eating it ; 15 became stupified, and 3 died. Dec.
Example. Coriaria.
CXVIII. OCHNACEiE.
Ochsace-k, Dec. Ann. Mas. 17. 398. (1811); Prodr. 1. 735. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous stamens, and a
deeply lobed ovarium, the style arising from the base of the concrete carpella,
which are seated upon a succulent disk ; anthers opening by pores.
Anomalies. Stamens definite or indefinite.
Essential Character.— Sepals 5, persistent, imbricated in aestivation. Petals hypogy-
nous, definite, sometimes twice as many as the sepals, deciduous, spreading, imbricated in
aestivation. Stamens 5, opposite the sepals, or 10, or indefinite in number, arising from a
hypogynous disk ; filaments persistent ; anthers 2-celled, innate, opening by pores. Carpella
equal in number to the petals, lying upon an enlarged, tumid, fleshy disk (the 'gynobase) ;
their styles combined in one ; ovula erect. Fruit composed of as many pieces as there were
carpella, indehiscent, somewhat drupaceous, 1-seeded, articulated with the gynobase, which
grows with their growth. Seeds without albumen; embryo straight; radicle short; cotyle-
dons thick.— Very smooth Trees or shrubs, having a watery juice. Leaves alternate, simple,
entire, or toothed, with 2 stipuke at the base. Flowers usually in racemes, with an articula-
tion in the middle of the pedicels.
Affinities. Very near Rutaceoe, from which they are distinguished by
their erect ovula, the dehiscence of their anther?, and many more characters.
They are to Polypetala; what Labiatae and Boragineae are to Monopetalae.
Geography. All found in tropical India, Africa, and America.
Properties. Walkera scrrata has a bitter root and leaves, and is em-
ployed in Malabar, in decoction in milk and water, as a tonic, stomachic, and
anti-emetic. The bark of Ochna hcxasperma is used in Brazil as a cure of
the sores produced in cattle by the punctures of insects. It probably acts as
an astringent. PL Usuelles, 38.
Examples. Ochna, Gomphia.
134
CXIX. ZYGOPHYLLEiE. The Bean Caper Tribe.
Zygophylleje, R. Brown in Minders, (1814); Dec. Prodr. 1. 703. (1824); Adrian de Juss.
Rutacces, 67. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an entire ovarium of several cells, an imbricated calyx, sym-
metrical flowers, pendulous ovules, stamens arising from hypogynous scales,
and opposite stipulate leaves without pellucid dots.
Anomalies. Ovules occasionally erect. Tribulus has the fruit separated
into spiny nuts, with transverse phragmata, and no albumen. Melianthus has
very irregular flowers.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoclinous, regular. Calyx divided into 4 or 5 pieces
with convolute aestivation. Petals unguiculate, alternate with the segments of the calyx and
a little longer, in activation, which is usually convolute, at first very short and scale-like.
Slamens double the number of the petals, dilated at the base, sometimes naked, sometimes
placed on the back of a small scale, hypogynous. Ovarium simple, surrounded at the base
with glands or a short einous disk, more or less deeply 4- or 5-furrowed, with 4 or 5 cells ;
ovula in each cell 2 or more, attached to the inner angle, pendulous, or occasionally erect;
style simple, usually with 4 or 5 furrows ; stigma simple, or with 4 or 5 lobes. Fruit capsu-
lar, rarely somewhat fleshy, with 4 or 5 angles or wings, bursting by 4 or 5 valves bearing the
dissepiments in the middle, or into as many close cells; the sarcocarp not separable from the
endocarp. Seeds usually fewer than the ovules, either compressed and scabrous when dry, or
ovate and smooth, with a thin herbaceous integument. Embryo green ; radicle superior ; co-
tyledons foliaceous ; albumen whitish, between horny and cartilaginous, in Tribulus want-
ing. Ad. J. — Herbaceous plants, shrubs, or trees, with a very hard wood, the branches often
articulated at the joints. Leaves opposite, with stipula;, very seldom simple, usually une-
qually pinnate, not dotted. Flowers solitary, or in pairs or threes, white, blue, or red, often
yellow.
Affinities. Nearly related to Oxalideee, from which, however, they are
distinguished by a multitude of characters. With Simarubacere they accord
in the stamens springing from the back of a hypogynous scale ; a structure
well worth more attentive consideration than it has yet received. Something
analogous to it will be found in Caryophylleffi. M. Adrien de Jussieu also
observes that the petals are remarkable for their being, in an early state, minute
and hidden by the calyx, which they only exceed about the time of flowering,
while in other Rutaceous orders the petals are always larger than the calyx.
The distinguishing characters in its vegetation or habit are, the leaves being
constantly opposite, with lateral or intermediate stipule, being generally com-
pound, and always destitute of the pellucid glands which universally exist in
true DiosmeK. Brown in Denham, 26. It is also a very common character
of the order to have the radicle at that extremity of the seed which is most
remote from the hilum ; but this, which is of great importance in many natural
families, is of less value in Zygophylleae. (See many good remarks upon this
subject in Mr. Brown's Appendix to Denham, p. 27.)
Biebersteinia, appended to this order by A. de Jussieu, is a genus that requires
further examination.
Geography. Guaiacum, Porlieria, and Larrea, are peculiar to America.
Fagonia is distributed over the south of Europe, the Levant, Persia, and India.
Zygophyllum inhabits the same regions, and also the south of Africa, and is
represented in New Holland by Ropera. Tribulus is found in all the Old
World within the tropics, or in countries bordering upon them. Ad. de J. Me-
lianthus, a most anomalous genus, is remarkable for being found both at the
Cape of Good Hope and in Nipal, without any intermediate station.
Properties. Zygophyllum Fabago is sometimes employed as an anthel-
mintic. The ligneous plants of the order are remarkable for the extreme hard-
ness of their wood. All the Guaiacums are well known for their exciting pro-
135
pcrties; the bark and wood of Guaiacum sanctum and officinale have a somewhat
bitter and acrid flavor, and are principally employed as sudorifics, diaphoretics, or
alteratives ; they contain a particular matter often designated as resin or gum-
resin, but which is now considered a distinct substance, called Guaiacine. Dec.
The wood of Guaiacum officinale, or Lignum vita;, is remarkable for the direc-
tion of its fibres, each layer of which crosses the preceding diagonally ; a cir-
cumstance first pointed out to me by Professor Voigt.
Examples. Zygophyllum, Tribulus.
CXX. SIMARUBACEiE. The Quassia Tribe.
Simarcbaceje, Rich. Anal, dc Fr. 21. (1808.)— Simarubeje, Dec. Diss. Ochn. Ann. Mus. 17.
323. (1811) ; Prodr. 1. 733.(1824) ; Adriende Juss. Rutacees, 129. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an entire ovarium of several cells, an imbricated calyx, sym-
metrical flowers, solitary pendulous ovules, stamens arising from hypogynous
scales, and exstipulate leaves without dots.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Flowers monoclinous, or occasionally diclinous. Calyx in 4 or
5 divisions. Petals the same number, longer, either spreading or combined in a tube ; (Estiva-
tion twisted. Stamens twice as many as the petals, each arising from the back of a hypogy-
nous scale. Ovarium 4- or 5-lobed, placed upon a stalk from the base of which the stamena
arise, 4- or 5-celled, each cell with one suspended ovulum ; style simple ; stigma^ 4- or 5-lobed.
Fruit consisting of 4 or 5 drupes arranged around a common receptacle, indehiscent. Seeds
pendulous, with a membranous integument ; embryo without albumen ; radicle superior, short,
drawn back within the thick cotyledons. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves without stipulaj, alternate,
occasionally simple, most usually compound without dots. Peduncles axillary or terminal.
Mowers whitish, green, or purple. The different parts bitter.
Affinities. Akin to Zygophylleee in their stamens inserted upon hypogy-
nous scales, and to Ochnacese in their deeply-lobed ovarium, or nearly separate
ovaria ; from these latter they are distinguished by their want of a succulent
disk, their suspended not erect ovules, and their anthers bursting by longitudinal
slits, not by terminal pores. A. de Jussieu says, " They are known from all
Rutaceous plants by the co-existence of three characters ; namely, ovaria with
but one ovulum, indehiscent drupes, and exalbuminous seeds, the membranous
integument of the embryo and the radicle being retracted within thick cotyle-
dons."
Geography. All natives of tropical America, India, or Africa, with the ex-
ception of 1 Nipal plant.
Properties. All intensely bitter. The wood of Quassia is well known.
A plant called Paraiba in Brazil, the Simaruba versicolor of St. Hilaire, pos-
sesses such excessive bitterness that no insects will attack it. Specimens of it
placed among dried plants which wereentirely devoured by the larvre of a species
of Ptinus, remained untouched. The Brazilians use an infusion in brandy as
a specific against the bite of serpents, and also employ it with very great suc-
cess to cure the lousy diseases to winch people are very subject in those coun-
tries. PI. Usuelles no. 5.
Examples. Quassia, Simaruba.
136
CXXI. PITTOSPOREiE.
Pittosporeje, R. Brown in Minder's Voyage, 2. 542. (1814); Dec. Prodr. 1. 345. (1824); Ach.
Rich, in Diet. Class. 13. 643. (1823.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
distinct at the base, concrete carpella", an ovarium of several cells with the pla-
centae in the axis, an imbricated calyx, symmetrical flowers, indefinite seeds with
a minute embryo in fleshy albumen, and simple leaves.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, deciduous, cither distinct or partially cohering1 ; aesti-
vation imbricated. Petals 5, hypogynous, sometimes slightly cohering' ; aestivation imbricated.
Stamens 5, hypogynous, distinct, alternate with the petals. Ovarium single, distinct, with the
cells or the placenta 2 or 5 in number, and many-seeded ; style 1 ; stigmas equal in number
to the placentae. Fruit capsular or berried, with many-seeded cells, which are sometimes in-
complete. Seeds often covered with a glutinous or resinous pulp ; embryo minute, near the
hilum, lying in fleshy albumen ; radicle rather long ; cotyledons very short. — Trees or shrubs.
Leaves simple, alternate, without stipuhe, usually entire. Flowers terminal or axillary, some-
times polygamous.
Affinities. Mr. Brown in establishing these as an order, remarks that
they are widely different from Rhamneee or Celastrineae, but without pointing
out their real affinity ; Decandolle places them between Polygaleee and Fran-
keniacese; according to Achille Richard they are very near Rutaceae, to
which he thinks them allied by a crowd of characters.
Geography. Chiefly New Holland plants. A few are found in Africa and
the adjacent islands, and 1 in Nipal. Mr. Brown remarks that Pittosporum
itself has been found not only in New Holland, but also in New Zealand, Nor-
folk Island, the Society and Sandwich Islands, the Moluccas, China, Japan, and
even Madeira. Flinders, 542.
Properties. The wood of Senacia undulata is handsomely veined, whence
it is called in the Mauritius Bois de joli coour. Dec. The berries of Billardiera
are eatable. The bark of Pittosporum Tobira has a resinous smell. Nothing
is known of the properties of any.
Examples. Billardiera, Pittosporum, Bursaria.
CXXII. GERANIACE/E. The Geranium Tribe.
Gerania. Juss. G'cn. 208.(1789).— Geraniaceje, Dec. Fl. Ft. 4. 82S. (1805); Prodr. 1. 637.
(1824) ; Lindl. Synops. 50. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite monadclphous hypo-
gynous stamens, concrete carpella, an entire ovarium of several cells, an imbri-
cated calyx, symmetrical flowers, solitary pendulous ovules, and carpella
adhering to a woody axis, separating with elasticity and curling back.
Anomalies. Petals none in Rhyncothcca, which also has albumen. Flowers
sometimes irregular.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, persistent, more or less unequal, with an imbricated
aestivation ; 1 sometimes saccate or spurred at the base. Petah 5, seldom 4 in consequence of
1 being abortive, unguiculate, equal or unequal, either hypogynous or perigynous. Stamens
usually monadelphous, hypogynous, twice or thrice as many as the petals ; some occasionally
abortive. Ovarium, composed of 5 pieces placed round an elevated axis, each 1 -celled,
1-sceded; ovula pendulous ; styles 5, cohering round the elongated axis. Fru it formed of 6
pieces, cohering round a. lengthened indurated axis ; each piece consisting uf 1 cell, contain-
13?
itig 1 seed, having a membranous pericarpium, and terminated by an indurated style, which
finally curls back from the base upwards, carrying the pericarpium along with it. Seeds soli-
tary, pendulous, without albumen. Embryo curved ; radicle pointing to the base of the cell ;
cotyledons foliaccous, convolute, and plaited. — Herbaceous plants or shrubs. Stems tumid, and
separate at the joints. Leaves either opposite or alternate; in the latter case opposite the pe-
duncles.
Affinities. In many points nearly related to Oxalideae, Balsamineae, and
Trop.eoleae, with which they are by some botanists associated. They are,
however, distinguished by the peculiar dehiscence of the fruit, their stems with
tumid joints, their convolute plaited cotyledons, and habit. In the arrangement
of their carpella about an elevated axis, they agree with all those orders for-
merly comprehended under the common name of Rutacere, from which the
length of that axis, and many other characters, distinguish them. Their ana-
logy with Vites is pointed out in speaking of that order. In many respects they
border close upon Malvaceae.
Geography. Very unequally distributed over various parts of the world.
A great proportion is found in the Cape of Good Hope, chiefly of the genus Pe-
largonium ; Erodium and Geranium are principally natives of Europe, North
America, and Northern Asia, and Rhyncotheca of South America. It is re-
markable that Pelargonium is found in New Holland.
Properties. An astringent principle and an aromatic or resinous flavour
are the characteristics of this order. The stem of Geranium spinosum burns
like a torch, and gives out an agreeable odour. The root of Geranium macu-
Iatum is considered a valuable astringent in North America, where it is some-
times called Alum root. Barton, 1. 155. In North Wales Geranium Rober-
tianum has acquired celebrity as a remedy for nephritic complaints. Ibid.
Some of the Pelargoniums are acidulous, but this genus is chiefly known as
an object of garden culture, for which its great beauty, and the facility with
which the species or supposed species intermix, render it well adapted.
Examples. Geranium, Monsonia, Erodium.
CXXIII. OXALIDEAE. The Woodsorrel Tribe.
Oxalidejb, Dec. Prodr. 1. 689. (1824) ; Lindl. Synops. 59. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens
distinct except at the base, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells with
the placentae in the axis, an imbricated calyx, symmetrical flowers, indefinite
exalbuminous seeds with a straight embryo, and compound leaves.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Sepals 5, sometimes slightly cohering at the base, persistent,
pqual. Petals 5, hypoyynous, equal, unguiculate, with a spirally-twisted aestivation. Stamens
10, usually more or less monadelphous, "those opposite the petals forming an inner series, and
longer than the others; anthers 2- celled, innate. Ovarium with 5 angles and 5 cells; styles
5, filiform; stigmata capitate or somewhat bifid. Fruit capsular, membranous, with 5 cells,
and from 5 to 10 valves. Seeds few, fixed to the axis, enclosed within a fleshy integument,
which curls back at the maturity of the fruit, and expels the seeds with elasticity. Albumen
between cartilaginous and fleshy. Embryo the length of the albumen .with a long radicle
pointing to the hilum, and foliaceous cotyledons.— Herbaceous plants, under-shrnbs or trees.
Leaves alternate, compound, sometimes simple by abortion, very seldom opposite or somewhat
whorled.
Affinities. Formerly included in Geraniaces, from which, in the judg-
ment of many, they are not sufficiently distinct. According to M. Decandolle
28
138
they are rather allied to Zygophyllea: ; an opinion in which I am inclined to
concur, and which their compound leaves appear to confirm. Averrhoa differs
from the rest in its arborescent habit. They are generally described with an
arillus ; but, according to M. Auguste St. Hilaire, the part so called is nothing
but the outer integument of the seed. PI. Us. 43.
Geography. Natives of all the hotter and temperate parts of the world,
most abundantly known in America and the Cape of Good Hope, and most
rarely in the East Indies and equinoctial Africa.
Properties. Averrhoa Bilimbi and the pinnated Oxalis called Biophytum
have sensitive leaves. Their foliage is generally acid, so that they are fit to
supply the place of sorrel. Some of the species are astringent, and have been
employed in spitting of blood. Oxalis acetosella contains pure oxalic acid.
Turner, 623. Several species of Oxalis are used in Brazil against malignant
fevers. PI. Usuelles, 43. The fruit of Averrhoa is intensely acid. A species
of Oxalis found in Columbia bears tubers like a potato, and is one of the plants
called Arracacha.
Examples. Oxalis, Biophytum, Averrhoa.
CXXIV. TROPiEOLEiE. The Nasturtium Tribe.
Tbop.eoleje, Juss. Mem. Mus. 3. 447. (1817) ; Dec. Prodr. 1. 683. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous distinct
stamens, concrete carpella, an ovarium of 3 cells with the placentae in the axis,
an imbricated calyx with 1 of the sepals spurred, unsymmetrical flowers, de-
finite pendulous ovules, and indehiscent fruit.
Anomalies. Magallana has winged fruit, 1-celled and 1-seeded by abor-
tion. In Trop. pentaphyllum, according to Aug. St. Hilaire {PI. Us. 41.), the
calyx is valvular, and the petals only 2.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, the upper one with a long distinct spur; (estivation
quincuncial. Petals 5, unequal, irregular, the 2 upper sessile and remote, arising from the
throat oi the calyx, the 3 lower stalked and smaller, sometimes abortive. Stamens 8, perigy-
nous, distinct; anthers innate, erect, 2-cclled. Ovarium 1, 3-cornered, made up of 3 carpella.
style 1 ; stigmas 3, acute ; ovula solitary, pendulous. Fruit indehiscent, separable into 3 pieces
from a common elongated axis. Seeds large, without albumen, filling the cavity in which
they lie ; embryo large ; cotyledons 2, straight, thick, consolidated together into a single body;
radicle lying within projections of the cotyledons.— Smooth herbaceous plants, of tender texture
and with an acrid taste, trailing or twining. Leaves alternate, without stipulaj, petiolate, with
radiating ribs. Peduncles axillary, 1-ilowcred.
Affinities. Very near Geraniaceee, with which they agree even in then-
spur (which in Pelargonium is often present, but adnate to the pedicel), and
also Balsamineae, and Hydrocereae, from which they differ chiefly in the struc-
ture of their fruit.
Geography. All natives of South America, mostly upon high land.
Properties. The fleshy fruit of Tropa;olum niajus is acrid, and possesses
the properties of Cress ; and M. Decandolle remarks, that the caterpillar of
the Cabbage butterfly feeds exclusively upon Cruciferse and Tropaeolum. The
root of Tr. tuberosum is eaten in Peru. Tropaeolum pentaphyllum is used in
Brazil as an antiscorbutic, under the Portuguese name of Chaffas da Miuda.
PL Usuelles, 41.
Example. Tropaeolum.
139
CXXV. HYDROCEREiE
Hydrocere«, Blumc Bijdr. 241. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an entire ovarium of several sepals with placentae in the axis,
an imbricated calyx, one of the sepals of which is spurred, symmetrical flowers,
definite pendulous ovules, and a drupaceous fruit.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, deciduous, coloured, unequal; the lowermost elongate t
into a spur. Petals 5, hypogynous, unequal ; the upper arched. Stamens 5, hypogynous,
connate at the apex ; anthers slightly connate, 2-cellcd, bursting at the apex. Ovarium,
5-celled, 5-angled, with 2 or 3 ovula in each cell ; stigmas 5, sessile, acute. Fruit succulent
with 5 cells, each of which has a bony hard lining, and contains a single seed. Seeds solitary,
without albumen ; cotyledons plano-convex ; radicle superior. — Herbaceous. Stems angular.
Leaves alternate, without stipula;, serrated. Peduncles axillary, many-flowered.
Affinities. Closely related to Balsamineae and Tropreoley, from which
they are only distinguished by their symmetrical flowers and drupaceous fruit.
Geography. A single species, native of marshes and wet places in Java.
Properties. Unknown.
Example. Hydrocera.
CXXVI. BALSAMINEiE. The Balsam Tribe.
Balsamin-eje. Art,. Rich. Diet. Class. 2. 173. (1822) ; Dec. Prodr. 1. 685. (1824) ; Lindl. Synops.
59. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an ovarium of 5 cells with the placentae in the axis, an im-
bricated calyx, unsymmetrical flowers with one of the sepals spurred, and
indefinite ovules.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — SepalsS, irregular, deciduous, the two inner and upper of which
are connate, the lower spurred. Petals 4, hypogynous, united in pairs, so that apparently there
are only 2 petals; the fifth wanting. Stamens 5, hypogynous ; f laments subulate; anthers
2-celled, bursting lengthwise. Ovarium single ; stigma sessile, more or less divided in 5 ; cells
5, many-seeded.^ Fruit capsular, with 5 elastic valves, and 5 cells formed by membranous
projections of the placenta, which occupies the axis of the fruit, and is connected with the apex
by 5 slender threads. Seeds numerous, suspended ; albumen none; embryo straight, with a
superior radicle and plano-convex cotyledons.— Succulent herbaceous plants. Leaves simple,
opposite or alternate, without stipuhe. Peduncles axillary.
Affinities. So nearly related to Geraniacefe, of which it is, in the opinion
of many, a mere section, that it is only distinguishable by the spurred calyx,
polyspermous fruit, and unsymmetrical flowers. Tropaeolese differ in their fruit,
OxalideEe in their compound leaves and symmetrical flowers. M. Kunth, in a
memoir printed in 1827, was the first to point out the true structure of this
family, which had been more or less misunderstood by all previous observers.
I had overlooked this memoir at the time of the publication of my Synopsis of
ihe British Flora, whence the old erroneous character is given in that work.
The following is the substance of M. Kunth's remarks : Linnaeus attributed to
the Impatiens Balsamina a calyx of 2 leaves, 5 unequal petals, a nectary, a
140
single ovary, a sessile stigma, and a unilocular polyspermous capsule, opening
in 5 valves. M. de Jussieu describes it nearly in the same way, with the ex-
ception of considering the capsule as having 5 cells, and the corolla as consist-
ing of 4 petals, the lower of which is spurred. These erroneous characters have
been reproduced by most authors. Dr. Hooker alone refers the part which has
the spur to the calyx, which he consequently makes to consist of 3 pieces.
M. Achille Richard has come nearest the truth in the Dictionnaire Classique,
where he describes the calyx as consisting of 4 pieces, and the 4 petals united in
pairs. The fact is, that the structure is usually this : the centre of the flower
is occupied by an ovarium, surmounted by a stigma divided into 5 acute lobes.
Around this stand 5 hypogynous stamens, placed in a single row and at equal dis-
tances from each other. Hence the normal number of the parts of the flower
should be 5. The corolla, however, consists of 2 bifid petals placed right and
left, with a wider space between their upper than their lower edges. Upon
comparing the position of these with the stamens, it appears that each occupies
the place of 3 stamens, whence it is impossible to doubt that they each consist
of 2 soldered together. On the other hand, the space between them, which
answers to 2 stamens, is an equal proof of the abortion of a fifth petal. And
this view of the structure is confirmed by the sepals, Thus on the outside of
each pair of petals, at their base, is found a leaflet, the situation of which is
opposite a stamen ; and opposite the space left by the abortion of the fifth petal
is a large broad leaflet, made up by the union of 2 sepals. The position of the
fifth sepal, which is that which is spurred, is between 2 petals and opposite a
stamen.
Geography. Natives of damp places among bushes in the East Indies ;
1 is found in Madagascar, 1 in Europe, 2 in North America, and 1 in Russia
in Asia.
Properties. Chiefly remarkable for the elastic force with which the valves
of the fruit separate at maturity, expelling the seeds. For a supposed expla-
nation of this phenomenon, see Dutrochet Nouvelles Recherches sur FEvosmose
et Endosmose. According to Decandolle, they are diuretic : [also emetic. Ruf.
Med. Bot. 2. 231.]
Example. Balsamina Impatiens.
CXXVII. VOCHYACEiE.
Vochyaceje, Mart. Nov. Gen. 1. 123. (1824).— Vochysie*, A. St. Hit. Mem. Mus. 6. 266.
(1820) ; Dec. Prodr. 3. 25. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens
concrete carpella, and irregular flowers with a spurred calyx.
Anomalies. Ovarium either superior or inferior. The leaves of Salvertia
have no stipuke.
Essential Character. — Sepals 4-5, combined at the base, imbricated in aestivation, the
upper one calcarate. Petals 1, 2, 3, or 5, alternate with the segments of the calyx, and in-
serted into their base, unequal. Stamens 1-5, usually opposite the petals, rarely alternate with
them, arising from the bottom of the calyx, for the most part sterile, 1 of them having an ovate
fertile 4-celled anther. Ovarium superior, or partially inferior, 3-celled ; ovules in each cell
solitary or twin, attached to the base of the axis ; style (and stigma 1. Capsule 3-cornered,
3-celled, 3-valved, the valves bursting along their middle. Seed without albumen, erect ; em-
bryo straight, inverted ; cotyledons large, foliaceous, convolute, plaited ; radicle short, superior.
— Trees. Branches opposite, when young 4-cornered. Leaves opposite, sometimes towards
the extremities of the branches alternate, entire, with 2 stipulffi at the base. Floiccrs usually
in terminal panicles or racemes.
141
Affinities. " An order at present but ill understood, in habit and flower
somewhat allied to Guttiferae or Marcgraaviacene, but distinct from both in the
stamens being inserted into the calyx ; perhaps more directly connected with
Combretaceae, on account of the convolute cotyledons and inverted seeds ; and
even perhaps allied to some Onagrariae, on account of the abortive solitary sta-
men." Dec. Prodr. 3. 25. Is not the order nearer Violaceae 1 an affinity
strongly pointed out by the irregular flowers, 3-locular ovarium, and stipulas,
but impeded by the perigynous insertion of the stamens.
Geography. Natives of equinoctial America, where they inhabit ancient
forests, by the banks of streams, sometimes rising up mountains to a considera-
ble elevation. They are often trees with large spreading heads.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Vochya, Amphilochia. Erisma.
CXXVIII. TREMANDRE.E.
TbemandrEjE, JR. Brown in Flinders, p. 12. (1814) ; Dec. Prodr. 1. 343. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with 8 or lOhypogynous distinct
stamens, concrete carpella, a 2-celled ovarium with a definite number of pen-
dulous ovules, a calyx with valvate aestivation, anthers bursting by pores, and
entire petals involute in aestivation.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Sepals 4 or 5, equal, with a valvular aestivation, slightly cohering
at the base, and deciduous. Petals equal in number to the sepals, with an involute aestivation,
enwrapping- the stamens, much larger than the calyx, and deciduous. Stamens hypogynous,
distinct, 2 before each petal, and therefore either 8 or 10; anthers 2- or 4-celled, opening by a
pore at the apex. Ovarium, 2-celled ; ovules from 1 to 3 in each cell, pendulous ; style 1 ; stig-
mas I or 2. Fruit capsular, 2-celled, 2- valved; dehiscence loculicidal. Seeds pendulous, ovate,
with a thickened appendage at the apex, but with no appendage about the hilum ; embryo cy-
lindrical, straight, in the axis of fleshy albumen ; the radicle next the hilum. — Slender heath-
like shrubs, with their hairs usually glandular. Leaves alternate or whorled, without stipulte,
entire or toothed. Pedicels solitary, axillary, 1 -flowered.
Affinities. Not very certain ; many genera probably still remain to be
discovered. According to Decandolle, they are related to Polygaleae ; from
which they differ in a number of points, especially in their distinct stamens and
regular flowers ; agreeing with them in having a remarkable tumour, called
a caruncula, at one end of the seeds, which are also definite and pendulous in
both orders.
Geography. All natives of New Holland.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples, Tetratheca, Tremandra.
142
CXXIX. POLYGALEiE. The Milkwort Tiube.
Polygaleje, Juaa. Ann. Mus. 14. 586. (1809); Mem. Mus. 1. 385. (1815); Dec. Prodr. 1. 321.
(1824); hindl. Synops. 39. (1829); Aug. de St. Hilaire and Moquin-Tandon Mem. Mus.
17.313.(1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens
in one parcel, concrete carpella, an ovarium of 2 cells with the placentae in the
axis, an imbricated calyx, unsymmetrical flowers, definite pendulous ovules,
and dehiscent fruit.
Anomalies. Sepals 4, and all petaloid in some Kramerias. Flowers ge-
nerally monopetalous. Ovarium sometimes 1-celled by abortion. Fruit inde-
hiscent in Mundia, Monnina, Securidaca, and Krameria. The latter has also
no albumen. Stamens distinct in Krameria.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, very irregular, distinct, often glumaceous ; 3 exterior,
of which 1 is superior and 2 anterior ; 2 interior (the wings) usually petaloid, and alternate
with the upper and lower ones. Petals hypogynous, usually 3, of which 1 is anterior and larger
than the rest, (the keel,) and 2 alternate with the upper outer, and latteral inner sepals, and
olten connate with the keel ; sometimes 5, and then the 2 additional ones minute and between
the wings and the lower sepals. Keel sometimes entire, and then either naked or crested; some-
times 3-lobed, and then destitute of a crest. Stamens hypogynous, 8, usually combined in a
tube, unequal, and ascending ; sometimes 4, and distinct ; the tube split opposite the upper
sepal ; anthers clavate, innate, mostly 1-celled and opening at their apex, sometimes 2-celled ;
very rarely the dehiscence is longitudinal. Disk either absent or present, regular or irregular.
Ovarium superior, compressed, with 2 cells, which are anterior and posterior, the upper one
occasionally suppressed ; ovules solitary, very rarely twin, pendulous; style simple, curved,
sometimes very oblique and cucullate at the apex, which is also entire or lobed ; stigma simple.
Fruit usually opening through the valves ; occasionally indchiscent, membranous, fleshy, co-
riaceous, or drupaceous, winged or apterous. Seeds pendulous, with a caruncula next the
hilum, naked or enveloped with hairs; the outer integument crustaceous, the inner membra-
nous ; albumen abundant, fleshy, rarely reduced to a thin gelatinous plate, very seldom want-
ing; embryo straight, or slightly curved, with the radicle next the hilum. — Shrubs or herba-
ceous plants. Leaves generally alternate, sometimes opposite, mostly simple, and always des-
titute of stipules. Flowers usually racemose, very often small and inconspicuous, but showy
in many Polygalas. Pedicels with 3 bractere.
Affinities. The structure of this order has been admirably explained by
Messrs. Aug. de St. Hilaire and Moquin-Tandon, from whose memoir above
quoted, the foregoing character and almost all that is said here is extracted,
and to which I refer those readers who wish to study the subject more inti-
mately. Before adverting to the affinities of this order, it will be useful to con-
sider what is the nature of the irregularity of the flowers ; an irregularity
which is such as to obscure, in a great measure, the relative position of the
sepals and petals. The calyx apparently consists of but three pieces, which
are usually green, and like sepals in their common state ; but their real num-
ber is 5, the two coloured lateral petal-like bodies, sometimes lying within the
apparent sepals, being in reabty part of the series of the calyx. The corolla
is mostly monopetalous, and, if carefully examined, formed of 3 pieces ; namely
the keel and two petals, all soldered together. We have, therefore, an abor-
tion of two petals, according to the laws of alternation : but this is not all ;
there is not only an abortion of two petals, but of those two which would, if
present, be found right and left of the keel. The monopetalous corolla is,
therefore, formed by the cohesion of the two posterior and the one anterior petal
of a pentapetalous corolla, of which the two lateral petals are suppressed. The
keel has an appendage of an anomalous character, called technically a crest,
and often consisting of one or even two rows of fringes or divisions, originating
not from the margin but from within it, and sometimes cohering in a common
membrane at their base. M. de St. Hilaire has satisfactorily shown that this
crest is nothing more than the deeply-lobcd middle segment of a keel, with these
143
lobes in such a state of cohesion that the central lobe is pushed outwards, while
the lateral ones cohere by their own margins and with its back. The stamens
are only 8, two therefore are suppressed ; or in Krameria 4, one being sup-
pressed. I may remark, in addition, that the relative position of the fifth sepal
and petal respectively, was first indicated by Mr. Brown. Denham, 31.
Polygaleee are stationed by Decandolle between Droseraceae and Treman-
dreae, and in the immediate vicinity of Violacere. With the latter they are re-
lated on account of their hypogynous stamens, irregular flowers, and cucul-
late stigma ; and with Tremandreae on account of the caruncula of their seed.
To Fumariacea3 they approach in the general aspect of their flowers ; but if
my theory of the structure of that order be admitted, their resemblance would
not be so great as it appears to be. Legurninosee are perhaps, notwithstand-
ing their perigynous stamens, the order with which Polygalere have the great-
est affinity : the irregularity of corolla is of a similar nature in. both ; there is
in Leguminosae a tendency to suppress the upper lateral petals, in Erythrina,
as in Polygala ; the ascending direction of the style and a cohesion of stamens
are characters common to both orders. That part of the JWtmoires du JVLustum
in which the second part of the paper above referred to is to appear, not having
reached this country when the present sheet is sending to press, I have no
means of knowing what the views of St. Hilaire and Moquin-Tandon are of
the affinities of the tribe.
Geography. Most of the genera are limited to one or two of the five parts
of the globe ; thus Salomonia is only found in Asia, Soulamea in the Moluc-
cas, Muraltia at the Cape of Good Hope, Krameria and Securidaca in the two
Americas, and finally Monnina and Badiera in South America. Comesperma
is found both in Brazil and New Holland, and, what is very remarkable, there
is in the former country a species of the Cape genus Mundia. Polygala itself
is found in four of the five parts ; under the torrid zone and in temperate cli-
mates, at Cayenne, and on the mountains of Switzerland ; it is, however, very
unequally distributed. This genus inhabits almost every description of station,
—dry plains, deep morasses, woods, mountains, cultivated and barren soils.
Comesperma is only known in Brazilian woods, and Monnina and Krameria
in open places.
Properties. Bitterness in the leaves and milk in the root are their usual
characteristics ; but the order has not been well investigated with respect to
its qualities. Polygala senega root is stimulant, diuretic, sialagogue, expecto-
rant, purgative, emetic, and sudorific, and also emmenagogue. It has been
used with great success in croup. Barton, 2. 116. P. sanguinea, according
to the same writer, possesses similar qualities. A peculiar vegetable principle,
called Senegin, has been discovered by Gehlen in the root of Polygala senega,
and M. Reschier is also said to have procured a principle called Polygaline from
the same plant ; but it is not known whether these two substances are the same.
Stephens and Church, no. 103. The bark of Monnina polystachya, called Yall-
hoy in Peru, is stated to be extremely useful in cases of dysentery. It also
possesses detersive properties in a great degree. The ladies of Peru ascribe
the beauty of their hair to the use of its infusion, and the silversmiths of Hua-
naco employ it for cleansing and polishing their wrought silver. Lambert's
Must. Cinch. 132, &c. Krameria, a genus of an extremely anomalous struc-
ture, which, although most likely really belonging to the order, differs from it
in many important points, is also remarkable for its tonic and excessively as-
tringent qualities. Its root is sold in Europe under the name of Ratanhia, and
is one of the substances which, in conjuction with gum kino, is used for adul-
terating port wine in England. According to M. Cadet, this root contains
gallic acid, but neither tannin nor resin.
Examples. Polygala, Krameria, Monnina, Securidaca.
144
CXXX. VIOLACEAE. The Violet Tribe.
Violarieje, Dec. Fl. Ft. 4. 801. (1805.); Juss. Ann. Mus. 18. (1811) ; Dec. Prodr. 1. 287.
(1824).— Violacejs, Lindl. Synops. 34. (1829).
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, a 1 -celled ovarium with narrow parietal placentae, 5 distinct
sepals, an erect embryo, stipulate leaves, and a capsule with loculicidal de-
hiscence.
Anomalies. The berry of Pentaloba is 5-lobed, but there is only one style.
The plants called Sauvageae, if they really belong to the order, have a septici-
dal dehiscence.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, persistent, with an imbricate aestivation, usually elon-
. gated at the base. Petals 5, hypogynous, equal or unequal, usually withering-, and with an
obliquely convolute aestivation. Stamens 5, alternate with the petals, occasionally opposite
them, inserted on a hypogynous disk, often unequal; anthers bilocular, bursting inwards,
either separate or cohering-, and lying close upon the ovarium ; filaments dilated, elongated
beyond the anthers; two, in the irregular flowers, generally furnished with an appendage or
o-land at the base. Ovarium 1-celled, many-seeded, or rarely 1-sceded, with 3 parietal placen-
ta opposite the 3 outer sepals ; style single, usually declinate, with an oblique hooded stigma.
Capsule of 3 valves, bearing the placentae in their axis. Seeds often with a tumour at their
base ; embryo straight, erect, in the axis of fleshy albumen. — Herbaceous plants or shrubs.
Leaves simple, usually alternate, sometimes opposite, stipulate, entire, with an involute verna-
tion. Inflorescence various.
Affinities. Mr. Brown, in speaking of Violaceae, mentions, in his Appen-
dix to the Congo Voyage, a genus, at that time unpublished, called Hymenan-
thera, having 5 scales alternating with the petals, with a bilocular berry, in
each cell of which is a single pendulous seed. It appears very paradoxical to
associate such a plant with an order otherwise well defined ; and Mr. Brown
himself seems to think it should be placed between Violeae and Polygaleae.
The structure of this genus points out strongly the relation of Violaceae to Po-
lygaleae, to the latter of which, however, it rather appears to me to be refera-
ble. These two orders differ from each other, in the latter having a 2-celled
not 1-celled ovarium, leaves without stipulae, and 1-celled anthers. Drosera-
ceae are known from Violaceae by their numerous styles, minute embryo, circi-
nate leaves, and want of stipulee. Passifloreae, to which the baccate genera
of Violaceae, and especially Corynostylis, (Calyptrion, Dec), which has a twi-
ning stem, undoubtedly approach, are distinguished py a multitude of charac-
ters. The irregular flowers, dilated filaments and sepals, and stipulate leaves,
of Violaceae, usually indicate them at once ; but the regular-flowered fruticose
genera, which constitute the tribe of Alsodineae, are not to be recognised by a
combination of such characters.
Geography. Of these tribes, Violeae chiefly consist of European, Siberian,
and American plants ; a few only being found within the tropics of Asia.
They are abundant in South America, the forms of which are, however, mate-
rially different from those of the more temperate pans of the world, most of
them being shrubs, while the northern Violets are uniformly herbaceous, or
nearly so. Alsodineae are exclusively South American and African, with the
exception (?) of Pentaloba, which, upon the authority of Loureiro, is Cochin-
chinese. Sauvageae are exclusively South American or African.
Properties. The roots of all Violaceae appear to be more or less emetic, a
property which is strongly possessed by the South American species, and in a
less degree only by those of Europe. Hence they form part of the herbs
known under the name of Ipecacuanha. Ionidium parviflorum is used by the
Spanish Americans, and I. Poaya by the Brazilians, as a substitute for Ipeca-
cuanha. PI. Us. 9. and 20. The root of another species, called Poaya,
145
Poaya da praia, and Poaya branca, the Ionidium Itubu of Kunth, is commonly
sold as true Ipecacuanha, to which it approaches very nearly in its properties.
At Pernambuco it is esteemed the very best, remedy that can be employed in
dysentery ; and the inhabitants of Rio-Grande-do-Norte consider it a specific
against gout. Ibid. no. 11. The foliage of the Conohoria Lobolobo is used in
Brazil for the same purposes as Spinach with us. Boiled, it becomes mucila-
ginous. Ibid. 10. Viola canina is reputed a powerful agent for the removal
of cutaneous affections ; and Anchietea salutaris is accounted by the Brazilians
not only a purgative, but also a remedy against similar maladies. M. A. St.
Hilaire remarks, that this notion deserves attention, as connected with the depu-
rative properties ascribed in Europe to Viola canina, to which, although Anchi-
etea is botanically related, there is nothing in its appearance which would have
led the Portuguese settlers to attribute the virtues of the one to the other
Ibid. no. 19. Sauvagesia erecta is very mucilaginous, on which account it has
been used in Brazil for complaints of the eyes, in Peru in disorders of the
bowels, and in the Antilles as diuretic, or rather in cases of slight inflammation
of the bladder.
The sections adopted by Decandolle are these :
1. Violet.
Petals unequal. Sepals 3 outer and broader, 2 interior. Fruit with a loculi-
cidal dehiscence. Stamens alternate with the petals ; filaments dilated, ex-
tended beyond the anthers, distinct (approximated or contracted), or occasion-
ally connate ; cells of the anthers finally 2-valved.
Examples. Calyptrion, Viola, Glossarrhen.
2. Alsodine^. R. Brown Congo, p. 21. (1818.)
Petals unequal. Stamens usually either connected at the base, or adhering
to the inside of an elevated cup, situated between the petals and stamens.
Examples. Conohoria, Rinorea, Ceranthera.
3. Sauvage^:.
Dehiscence of the capsule septicidal. Stamens 5, fertile, opposite the pe-
tals, distinct ; filaments neither dilated nor extended beyond the anthers.
Scales 5, petaloid, alternate with the stamens. Intermediate between Viola-
ceae and Frankeniaceae.
Examples. Sauvagesia, Lavradia.
CXXXI. PASSIFLORE^:. The Passion-Flower Tribe.
Passifloreje, Juss. Ann. Mus. 6. 102. (1805) ; Id. Diet, des Sciences Nat. 38. 48. (1825) ; Dec.
Prodr. 3. 321. (1828) ; Ackille Richard Diet. Class. 13. 95. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
filamentous or membranous processes upon the tube of the calyx, concrete car-
pella, a superior 1 -celled ovarium with parietal placenta?, corolla with an imbri-
cated aestivation, glandular leaves, arillate seeds, and embryo in the midst of
fleshy albumen.
Anomalies. Some apetalous.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, sometimes irregular, combined in a tube of variable
length, the sides and throat of which arc lined by filamentous or annular processes, apparently
metamorphosed petals. Petals 5. arising from tnethroatof the calvx, on the outside of the fila
29
146
mentous processes, occasionally wanting-, sometimes irregular, imbricated in aestivation. Sie-
mens 5, monadelphous, rarely indefinite, surrounding the stalk of the ovarium ; anthers turned
outwards, linear, 2-celled, bursting longitudinally. Ovarium seated on a long stalk, superior.
1-celled; styles 3. arising from the same point, clavate; stigmas dilated. Fruit surrounded
by the calyx, stalked, 1-celled, with 3 parietal polyspermous placentae, sometimes 3-valved.
Seeds attached in several rows to the placenta, with a brittle sculptured testa surrounded by a
pulpy arillus ; embryo straight, in the midst of fleshy thin albumen ; radicle turned towards
the hilum ; cotyledons flat, leafy.— Herbaceous plants or shrubs, usually climbing, very seldom
arborescent. Leaves alternate, with foliaceous stipulae, often glandular. Mowers axillary or
terminal, often with a 3-leaved involucre.
Affinities. The real nature of the floral envelopes of this remarkable-
order is a question upon which botanists entertain very different opinions, and
their ideas of its affinities are consequently much at variance. According to
Jussieu (Diet, des Sciences, 38. 49.), the " parts taken for petals are nothing
but inner divisions of the calyx, usually in a coloured state, and wanting in
several species ;" and therefore, in the judgment of this venerable botanist, the
order is apetalous, or monochlamydeous. Decandolle adopts the same view of
the nature of the floral envelopes as Jussieu ; but he nevertheless considers the
order polypetalous ; a conclusion which I confess myself unable to understand,
upon the supposition of the inner series of floralenvelopes being calyx. Other bota-
nists, and I think with justice, consider the outer series of the floral envelopes as the
calyx, and inner as the corolla, for two principal reasons. In the first pl£ce,
they have the ordinary position and appearance of calyx and corolla, the outer
being green, and the inner coloured : and, in the second place, there is no
essential difference between the calyx and corolla, except the one being the
outer, and the other the inner of the floral envelopes. And if the real nature
of these parts is to be determined by analogy, an opinion in which I do not,
however, concur, the great affinity, as I think, of the order with Violaceae would
confirm the idea of its being polypetalous rather than apetalous. The nature
of the filamentous appendages, or rays as they are called, which proceed from
the orifice of the tube, and of the membranous or fleshy, entire or lobed, flat or
plaited, annular processes which lie between the petals and the stamens, is am-
biguous. I am disposed to refer them to a peculiar form of petals, rather than
to the stamens, for the reasons which I have assigned in the Hort. Trans, vol.
6. p. 309, for understanding the normal metamorphosis of the parts of fructifi-
cation to be centripetal. There can, at least, be no doubt of their being of an
intermediate nature between petals and stamens. With regard to the affinity
of Passiflorea?, Jussieu, swayed by the opinion he entertains of their being ape-
talous, and Decandolle, who partly agrees and partly disagrees with Jussieu in
his view of their structure, both assign the order a place near Cucurbitaceae :
but when we consider the stipitate fruit, occasionally valvular, the parietal pla-
centae, the sometimes irregular flowers, the stipulate leaves, and the climbing
habit of these plants, it is difficult not to admit their affinity with Capparideoe
and Violacea?, the dilated disk of the former of which is probably analogous to
the innermost of the annular processes of Passiflora. That the fleshy covering
of the seeds in this order is a real arillus, is clear from the seeds of a capsular
species nearly related to Pass, capsularis, but apparently unpublished, a draw-
ing of which, by M. Ferdinand Bauer, exists in the Library of the Horticultural
Societj-. In this plant the apex of the sculptured testa is uncovered by the
arillus.
Geography. These plants are the pride of South America and the West
Indies, where the woods are filled with their species, which climb about from
tree to tree, bearing at one time flowers of the most striking beauty, and of so
singular an appearance, that the zealous Catholics who discovered them,
adapted Christian traditions to those inhabitants of the South American wilder-
nesses ; and at other times fruit, tempting to the eye and refreshing to the pa-
late. One or two extend northwards into North America. Several are found
147
in Africa and the neighbouring islands ; and a few in the East Indies, of which
the greater part belong to the genus Modecca.
Properties. Nothing is known of the properties of this order further than
that the succulent arillus and pulp that surround the seeds are fragrant, juicy,
cooling, and pleasant, in several species.
Example. Passifiora, Tacsonia, Murucuja, Smeathmannia.
CXXXII. MALESHERBIACE.E.
%Uleshekbiaceje. Don in Jameson's Journal, 321. (1826).— Passiflore.e. § Malesherbicic,
Dec. Prodr. 3. 337. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous stamens,
a membranous ring at the mouth of the tube of the calyx, concrete carpella, a
superior 1 -celled ovarium with parietal placentae, styles widely apart at the
base, corolla with a twisted aestivation, exstipulate glandless leaves, exarillate
seeds, and an embryo in the midst of fleshy albumen.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx tubular, membranous, inflated, 5-lobed, the lobes with an
imbricated aestivation. Petals 5, alternate with the segments of the calyx, persistent, with a
convolute aestivation arising- from without a short membranous rim or corona- Stamens 5 or
10, perigynous ; filaments filiform, distinct, or connected with the stalk of the ovarium ; anthen
versatile. Ovarium superior, stipitate, 1-celled with the placentas at the base, from which
the ovules arise by the intervention of umbilical cords ; styles 3, filiform, very long-, arising-
from distinct points of the apex of the ovarium; stigmas clavate. Fruit capsular, 1-celled,
3-valved, membranous more or less, many-seeded. Seeds attached by umbilical cords to
placentae arising- either from the axis of the valves, or from their base ; testa crustaceous,
brittle, with a fleshy crest, and no arillus ; embryo taper, in the midst of fleshy albumen, with
the radicle next the hilum.— Herbaceous or half-shrubby plants. Leaves alternate, lobed, with-
out stipuke. Floioers axillary or terminal, solitary, yellow or blue.
Affinities. According to Mr. Don, by whom these plants were first con-
sidered the rudiments of an order, " they agree on the one hand with Passifio-
rese, and on the other with Turneraceas ;" and I am persuaded that this is their
true position. From the former they differ in the insertion of their styles, in
versatile anthers, in their short placenta?, membranous fruit, taper embryo, want
of arillus and of stipules, and altogether in their habit: fromTurneraceae,to which
their habit quite allies them, they differ in the presence of a perigynous mem-
brane, in the remarkable insertion of the styles, and in the want of all trace of an
arillus ; agreeing with that order in the aestivation of the corolla, and in the
principal other points of their structure. I have modified the essential charac-
ter of the order, in consequence of the inspection of a Chilian plant, of which
specimens are in my possession.
Geography. Natives of Chile.
Properties. Unknown, except as objects of erreat beauty.
Example. Maleshorbia.
148
CX XXIII. TURNERACE.E.
Loaseje, § Turneracea?, Kunth N.G. et Sp. 6. 123. (1S23).— Tuknerace^;. Dec. Prodr. 3. 345.
(1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with 5 perigynous stamens, con-
crete carpella, a superior 1 -celled ovarium with 3 parietal placentae, corolla with
a twisted aestivation, and embryo in the midst of fleshy albumen.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx inferior, often coloured, with 5 equal lobes, imbricated in
aestivation. Petals 5, inserted into the tube of the calyx, equal, with a twisted aestivation. Sta-
mens 5, inserted into the tube of the calyx below the petals, with which they are alternate ;
filaments distinct ; anthers oblong, erect, 2-celled. Ovarium superior, 1-celled, with 3 parietal
placentas ; ovules indefinite ; styles 3 or 6, cohering1 more or less, and simple branched or mul-
tifid at the apex. Capsule 3-valved, 1-celled, opening' from the point about as far as the mid-
dle, the valves bearing the placentas in the middle. Seeds with a thin membranous arillus on
one side, crustaceous, reticulated ; embryo slightly curved, in the middle of fleshy albumen ;
radicle turned towards the hilum ; cotyledons somewhat plano-convex. — Herbaceous plants,
having sometimes a tendency to become shrubby, with a simple pubescence, which does not
sting. Leaves alternate, simple, without stipules, with occasionally 2 glands at the apex of the
petiole. Flowers axillary, their pedicel either distinct or cohering with the petiole ; with 2
bracteolae. Petals yellowish, rarely blue.
Affinities. Placed by Decandolle between Loaseae and Fouquieracea?,
chiefly, it should seem, on account of its manifest relation to the former, and its
perigynous stamens. To me it appears that those botanists are right who
place it in the vicinity of Cistineae, from which it differs more in the insertion of
the stamens, and in the approximation of the radicle to the hilum, than in any
other character, agreeing with them very much in habit. With Malvaceae
they agree in the twisted aestivation of the corolla, and in habit. With Loaseae
and Passifloreae they have also much in common ; and the circumstance of
their certain relationship to Cistineae gives great weight to the ingenious ap-
proximation, by M. Du Petit Thouars, of Passifloreae to Violaceae. The pre-
sence of glands upon the ends of the petioles of Turneraceae is a confirmation
of their affinity to the former. They are distinguished from Loaseae by their
fruit being superior and 1-celled, with parietal placentas, and by their definite
stamens ; the former character is, however, weakened by the nearly superior
fruit of some Loaseae.
Geography. Natives exclusively of the West Indies and South America :
[with the exception of Turnera cistoides, which extends as far north as Savan-
nah.] There seems no good reason for supposing Turnera trioniflora to b
native of Japan.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Turnera. Piriqueta.
CXXXIV. CISTINE.E. The Rock-Rose Tribe.
Cisti, Juss. Gen. 294. (1739).— Cistoideje, Vent. Tabl. 3.219. (1799).— Cistinej;, Dec. Prodr-
1. 263. (1824) ; Lindl. Synops. 36. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with indefinite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, a 1-celled ovarium with narrow parietal placentae, 5 sepals,
and an inverted embryo.
Anomalies
Essential Character.— Sepals 5, continuous with the pedicel, persistent, unequal, the
three inner with a twisted {estivation. Petals 5, hypogynous, very fugitive, crumpled in aesti-
vation, and twisted in a direction contrary to that of the sepals. Stainens indefinite, hypogy-
nous distinct ; anthers innate ; stigma simple. Ovarium distinct, 1- or many-celled ; ovu/a with
the foramen at their apex ; style single. Fruit capsular, usually 3- or 5-valved, occasionally 10-
valved, either 1-celicd with parietal placenta; in the axis of the valves, or imperfectly 5- or
10-celled with dissepiments proceeding from the middle of the valves, and touching each other
in the centre. Seeds indefinite in number. Embryo inverted, either spiral or curved in the midst
of mealy albumen. — Shrubs ur herbaceous plants. Branches often viscid. Leaves usually en-
tire, opposite or alternate, stipulate or exstipulate. Racemes usually unilateral. Flowers
white, yellow, or red, very fugacious.
Affinities. Distinguished from Violaceoe, with which they were formerly
confounded, by their indefinite stamens and inverted embryo ; from Bixinese
by this last character, by their mealy albumen, habit, and not having the leaves
ever dotted ; from Hypericinese by the latter character, and the structure of their
fruit.
Geography. S. Europe and the north of Africa are the countries that Cis-
tineae chiefly inhabit. They are rare in North America, extremely uncommon
in South America, and scarcely known in Asia.
Properties. None, except that the resinous balsamic substance, called
Labdanum, is obtained from Cistus creticus.
Examples. Gistus. Helianthemum.
CXXXV. BIXINESE. The Arnotto Tribe.
Bixineje, Kunth Diss. Malv. p. 17. (1822) ; Dec. Prodr. 1. 259. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with indefinite hypogynous sta-
mens, concrete carpella, a 1 -celled ovarium with narrow parietal pfacentEe, 4-7
sepals, and an erect embryo.
Anomalies. Corolla often wanting.
Essektial Character.— Sepals 4-7, either distinct or cohering at the base, with an imbri-
cated aestivation. Petals 5, like the sepals, or wanting. Stamens indefinite, distinct, inserted
upon a receptacle at the base of the calyx ; anthers 2-celled. Ovarium superior, sessile, 1-celled ;
ovula proceeding from 4 to 7 parietal placentae ; style single, or in 2 or 4 divisions. Fruit cap-
sular, or berried, 1-celled, many-seeded. Seeds attached to parietal placenta, and enveloped
in pulp; albumen either fleshy or very thin; embryo included, either straightish or curved, with
leafy cotyledons; radicle pointing to the hilum. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, simple,
entire, usually with pellucid dots; stipules deciduous; peduncles axillary, 1- many-flowered,
with bracteas.
Affinities. The carpological characters of this order are very much those
of Cistinese and Homalineai ; from the former, Bixinese differ in the position of
their radicle, and in many other particulars ; from the latter they are distin-
guished by their hypogynous stamens, and consequently superior fruit, by the
distinct nature of the sepals and petals, when the latter are present, &c. Their
dotted leaves are remarkable among all the neighbouring orders, and would
alone suffice to characterize them, if they were constant, but they are occa-
sionally not dotted. Some of the genera were formerly referred to Rosaceae :
but the affinity of this order with that is very weak ; the plants which were for-
merly placed in it were imperfectly known.
Geography. All natives of the hotter parts of America, or of the islands of
the Mauritius.
Properties. Bixa yields the substance known to the English by the name
of Arnotto. and to the French by that of Rocou. It is the pulp that envc-
150
lopes the seeds, and which is slightly purgative and stomachic. Farmers use
it to. stain their cheeses, and dyers for a reddish colour. The bark of Ludia is
said to be emetic : but it is uncertain whether that genus does not belong to
Homalinese.
Examples. Bixa, Prockia.
CXXXVI. SARRACENIEiE.
Sarbacenie.e, Turpin in Diet, des Sc. c. ie. ( ? ) ; Dc la Pylaie in Ann. Linn. Par. 6. 388 t
13. (1827) ; Hooker Ft. Boreal. Am. p. 33. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with hypogynous indefinite distinct
stamens, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells with the placentae in the
axis, a regular calyx with imbricate aestivation, and a peltate petaloid persistent
stigma.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, persistent, often having1 a 3-leaved involucrum on the
outside ; (Estivation imbricate. Petals 5, hypogynous ; unguiculate, concave. Stamens inde-
finite, hypogynous ; anthers oblong, adnate, 2-celled, bursting internally and longitudinally.
Ovarium superior, 5-celled, with polyspermous placentae in the axis; style single; stigma
much dilated, peltate, with 5 angles. Capsule crowned by the persistent stigma, with 5 cells
and 51oculicidal valves. Seeds very numerous, minute, slightly warted, covering 5 large pla-
centa, which project from the axis into the cavity of the cells ; albumen abundant ; embryo
cylindrical, lying near the base of the seed, with the radicle turned to the hilum. — Herbaceous
perennial plants, living in bogs. Roots fibrous. Leaves radical, with a hollow urn-shaped
petiole, at the apex of which is articulated the lamina, which covers the petiole like a lid.
Scapes each having one large flower, of a more or less herbaceous colour.
Affinities. These are not well made out. It is usual to refer Sarracenia
to the vicinity of Papaveraceae, on account of its remarkably dilated stig-
ma, which is compared to the radiant stigma of Papaver, its indefinite stamens
and small embryo lying at the base of copious albumen ; and there can be no
doubt that these points of resemblance are important. But I believe it is also
akin to Droseraceae, or at least to that order, whatever it may be, which shall
finally comprehend Dionaea. With this genus no one has suspected the analo-
gy of Sarracenia ; a circumstance which has arisen, I presume, chiefly from
attention having been turned to the fructification rather than the vegetation of
those genera. If we compare the foliage of Dionsea with that of Sarracenia,
we shall find that the pitcher of the latter is represented by the dilated foot-
stalk of the former, which only requires its margins to cohere to be identical
with it, and that the lid of the pitcher of the latter is analogous to the irritable
lamina of the former. In both genera the staAens are hypogynous ; both have
a single stigma, which in Sarracenia is petaloid, in Dionaea is merely fringed ;
both have an embryo lying at the base of copious albumen, and both have po-
lyspermous placentae. In the internal arrangement of the fruit the two gene-
ra are dissimilar ; but the differences depend upon peculiar modifications of
structure, which cannot be considered to affect affinities otherwise so strongly
indicated. In the remarkable structure of the leaves this order agrees with
Nepenthe*, which are probably not so distantly related as they are usually
supposed to be, and also with a single genus of Rosacea? (Cephalotus).
Geography. They are exclusively confined to the bogs of North America.
Properties. Unknown.
Example. Sarracenia
151
CXXXVII. DROSERACE/E. The Sundew Tribe.
Droseraceje, Dec. Theorie, 214. (1819) ; Prodr. 1. 317. (1824) ; Lindl. Synops. 38. (1S29).
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, a 1 -celled ovarium with narrow parietal placent*, 5 sepals,
an erect embryo, and circinate vernation.
Anomalies. The anthers of Byblis and Roridula open by pores. Verna-
tion not circinate in Dion*a.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, persistent, equal, with an imbricate [estivation. Petals
5, hypogynous. Stamens distinct, withering, either equal in number to the petals and alter-
nate with them, or 2, 3, or 4 times as many. Ovarium single ; styles 3-5, either wholly dis-
tinct, or slightly connected at the base, bifid or branched. Capsule of 1 or 3 cells, and 3 or 5
valve3, which bear the placenta? either in the middle or at the base. Seeds either naked or fur-
nished with arillus. Embryo straight, erect, in the axis of a fleshy or cartilaginous albumen.
Cotyledons rather thick. — Delicate herbaceous plants, often covered with glands. Leaves alter-
nate, with stipulary cilia and a circinate vernation. Peduncles, when young, circinate.
Affinities. Nearly allied to Violace*, from which their circinate vernation,
several styles, minute embryo, and exstipulate leaves, distinguish them. They
are also no doubt related to Saxifrage*, to which order it is possible that one
of the genera referred to Droseraceae by Decandolle (Romanzovia), actually
belongs. The most material circumstance that separates them from Saxifra-
ge* is their hypogynous, not perigynous stamens. But when we consider how
difficult it frequently is, to determine whether the point of origin of the stamens
in Saxifrage* is from the calyx or from below the ovarium, this distinction will
cease to have much value. Besides the line of origin of the stamens, these
two orders are also distinguished by their vernation and placentation ; but in
the latter respect Parnassia among Saxifrage* accords with Droserace* ; and
in the former Dion*a among Droserace* accords with Saxifrage*. It is not,
however, quite certain that this last-mentioned genus is actually referable to
Droserace*, from which it differs remarkably in the structure of its ovarium, in
its style, and in its foliage. I am persuaded that Droserace* are fully as nearly
related to Saxifrage* as to Violace* ; and this fact shows how much the artifi-
cial distribution of orders is at variance with natural affinities. Droserace*
are also allied to Sarracenie* : see that order.
Geography. At the Cape of Good Hope, in South America, North Ameri-
ca, New Holland, China, Europe, Madagascar, the East Indies, wherever
there are marshes or morasses, these plants are found. Drosophyllum lusita-
nicum is remarkable for growing on the barren sands of Portugal.
Properties. The leaves of Dion*a muscipula are irritable, and collapse
when touched. The common Droseras are rather acid, slightly acrid, and, ac-
cording to some, poisonous to cattle. The Drosera communis of Brazil is said
by M. A. St. Hilaire to be poisonous to sheep. PI. Usuelles, no. 15.
Examples. Drosera, Drosophyllum.
CXXXVIII. NEPENTHEiE. The Pitcher-Plant Tribe
Aristolociiix, § Nepcnthinte, Link Handb. 1. 369. (1829).
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with a4-celled ovarium, indefinite
ovula, a regular imbricated calyx, and pitcher-shaped leaves.
Anomalies. The direction of the radicle uncertain.
15-2
Essential Character. — Flowers dioecious. Calyx 4-leaved, inferior, oppositely imbricated
in aestivation. Stamens cohering- in a solid column, bearing- at the apex about 16 anthers, col-
lected in various directions in one head; anthers 2-celled, opening longitudinally and exter-
nally. Ovarium superior, 4-cornered, 4 celled, with an idefinite number of ascending ovules
attached to the sides of the dissepiments; siigma sessile, simple. Fruit capsular, 4-celled,
4-valved, with the seeds sticking to the sides of the dissepiments, which proceed :iom the mid-
dle of the valves. Seeds indefinite, very minute, fusiform, with a lax outer integument ; Al-
bumen oblong, much less than the seed, lying about the middle of the outer integument ; em-
bryo in the midst of fleshy albumen, with 2 cotyledons placed face to face ; (radicle turned
towards the hilum, Ad. Brongn. Nees von Esenbeck ; turned to the extremity opposite the hi-
lum, Richard). — Herbaceous or half-shrubby caulescent plants. Leaves alternate, slightly
sheathing at the base, with a dilated foliaceous petiole, pitcher-shaped at the end, which is ar-
ticulated with a lid-like lamina. Racemes terminal, dense, many-flowered.
Affinities. The relation that is borne by the highly curious plants which
this order contains was not even guessed at until M. Adolphe Brongniart
pointed out a resemblance between them and Cytineae, which had not before
been suspected, but which he considered so important as to justify him in placing
it in the same order. While we admit the ingenuity with which this opinion is
sustained, it is impossible to agree with M. Brongniart in the conclusion at
which he has arrived. To say nothing of the extreme dissimilarity in habit
between these plants, the structure of their fruit appears to me essentially dif-
ferent ; and the seeds of Cytinus being unknown, the resemblance between it
and Nepenthes is reduced to a similarity in the arrangement of the anthers,
which cannot in the present case be considered of much importance, as it in
some degree depends upon the unisexuality of the flowers of both genera. It
appears to me that, in the existing state of our knowledge, there is no order to
which Nepenthes can be safely approximated ; it has a remote affinity with
Droseraceae, but a number of connecting links is required to fill up the space
between them. The best account of the structure of Nepenthes will be found
in the Ann. des Sc. 1.42. and 3. 366. The structure of the pitcher- shaped
leaves is analogous to that of Sarracenieae, and Cephalotus among Rosaceae.
The water contained in the unopened pitcher of a plant which flowered in the
the Botanic Garden, Edinburgh, was found by Dr. Turner " to emiT, while
boiling, an odour like baked apples, from containing a trace of vegetable matter,
and to yield minute crystals of superoxalate of potash on being slowly
evaporated to dryness." B. Mag. 2798. There is a good account of the ger-
mination of Nepenthes, in Jameson's Journal for April 1830, from which it
may be concluded that the long loose tunic of the seed is intended to act at first
as a buoy, to float the seed upon the surface of the water, and afterwards as an
anchor, to keep it fast upon the mud until it can have struck root.
Geography. All natives of swamps in the East Indies and Chinn
Properties. Unknown.
Example. Nepenthes.
CXXXIX. LINE^E. The Flax Tribe.
Like*, Dec. Theorie, ed. 1.217. (1819) ; Prodr. 1.423. (1824); Lindl. Synops. 53. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens;
concrete carpella, an entire ovarium of several cells with placentae in the axis,
an imbricated regular calyx, symmetrical flowers, definite pendulous ovules,
distinct style, capitate stigmas, stamens immediately hypogynous, flat cotyle-
dons, and a capsular many-celled fruit.
\ MOM A LIE?
1.3.3
Essential Ch An a.ct lb. — ScpaL -3-4-5, with a,n imbricated xstivatiuii, continuous with the
peduncle, persistent. Petals equal in nunjber to the sepals, hypogynous, ung-uiculate, with a
twisted aestivation. Stamens equal in number to the petals, and alternate with them, united
at the base in a hypogynous ring, from which proceed little teeth opposite to the petals, and in-
dicating abortive stamens ; anthers ovate, innate. Ovarium with about as many cells as petals,
seldom fewer ; styles equal in number to the cells ; stigmas capitate. Capsules generally pointed
with the indurated base of the 3tyles, many-celled ; each cell partially divided in two by an
imperfect spurious dissepiment, and dehiscing with two valves at the apex. Seeds in each cell
single, compressed, inverted ; albumen usually absent ; inner lining of the fcstatumid ; embryo
straight, fleshy, with the radicle pointing towards the hilum ; cotyledons flat. — Herbaceous
plants, or s^all shrubs. Leaves entire, without stipula:, usually alternate. Petals very
fugitive.
Affinities. It is remarked by Decandolle, that these are intermediate, as
it were, between Caryophyllese, Malvaceae, and Geraniacea?, from all which,
however, they are obviously distinguished.
Geography. Europe and the north of Africa are the principal stations of
this order, which is, however, scattered more or less over most parts of the
globe. Several are natives of North and South America, 2 only are found in In-
dia, 1 in New Zealand, and none in New Holland; for the L. angustifolium men-
tioned by Decandolle as having been sent him from that country, had probably,
as he suggests, been introduced from Europe. It is stated by Dr. Richardson,
that the most northern limit of this order in North America is 54° N. Ed. P
J. 12. 209.
Properties. The tenacity of their fibre, and the mucilage of their diure-
tic seeds, are the striking characters of Lines, which are also usually remarka-
ble for the beauty of their flowers. The leaves of L. catharticum are purga-
tive. Linum selaginoides is considered in Peru bitter and aperient. Dec.
Examples. Linum, Radiola.
CXL. CARYOPHYLLESE. The Chickweed Tribe.
CahyofhyllejE, Juss. Gen. 299. (1739) ; Dec. Predr. 1. 351. (1824 ; Lindl. Synops. p. 43.
(1329.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, an ovarium of 1 or several cells with placentas in the axis,
an imbricated calyx, symmetrical flowers, an embryo coiled round mealy albu-
men, and opposite entire leaves with herbaceous stems.
Anomalies. Some are apetalous ; others are accidentally unsymmetrical
in their fructification.
Essential Character.— Sepals 4-5, continuous with the peduncle ; either distinct, or cohe-
ring in a tube, persistent. Petals 4-5, hypogynous, unguiculate, inserted upon the pedicel of
the ovarium ; occasionally wanting. Sta7nens twice as many as the petals, inserted upon the
pedicel of the ovarium along with the petals; filaments subulate, sometimes monadelphous ;
anthers innate. Ovarium stipitate on the apex of a pedicel (called the gynophorus) ; Stigmata,
2-5, sessile, filiform, papillose on the inner surface. Capsule 2-5-valved, either 1-celled or 2-5-
celled, in the latter case with a loculicidal dehiscence. Placenta central, in the 1-celled cap-
sules distinct, in the 2-5-celled capsules adhering to the edge of the dissepiments. Seeds in-
definite in number, rarely definite ; albumen mealy; embryo curved round the albumen; ra-
dicle pointing to the hilum.— Herbaceous plants, occasionally becoming suffrutescent. . Stems
tumid at the articulations. Leaves always opposite and entire, often connate at the base.
Affinities. On the one hand these plants are allied to Frankeniaceae, with
which they agree in their unguiculate petals, bearing processes at their orifice, and
in some measure in habit ; and on the other to Linear, from which they are prin-
cipally distinguished by their unilocular, or. if plurilocular. several-seeded cap-
30
154
sules, and oibuaainious seeds. Geraniaceae, Oxahdeae, Violaceae, and Portuiu-
cese, are all also allied in many particulars, but they are readily distinguished.
Elatineae differ in their exalbuminous seeds and capitate stigmas. Bartling
combines in one order Caryophylleae, Paronychia^ Amarantaceae, Phytolac-
ceae, and Chenopodeae ; and all these orders, although artificially separated
widely, do in fact concur in a number of essential points ; but the rest may be
readily known from Caryophylleae by their want of petals ; their combining
character is the embryo curved round the albumen, in which particular Poly-
goneae also agrees with them. Macraea, a genus of mine, which Mr. Don
states to be the same as Viviania, a neglected genus of Cavanilles, (see
Jameson's Journal, Jan. 1830, p. 170.), if really belonging to the order, differs
remarkably in the curved embryo lying, according to Dr. Hooker, in the midst
of fleshy albumen, in its dry persistent petals, and in the vernation of both the
calyx and petals ; but I incline to think that this remarkable genus indicates
the existence of an order allied to Frankeniacese or Geraniaceae more closely
than to Caryophylleae. Hydropityon, doubtfully referred here by Decandolle.
belongs to Scrophularineae, as I learn from Mr. Bentham.
Geography. Natives principally of the temperate and frigid parts of the
world, where they inhabit mountains, hedges, rocks, and waste places. Those
which are found within the tropics are usually natives of high elevations and
mountainous tracts, almost always reaching the limits of eternal snow, where
many of them exclusively vegetate. The Mollugos are the most tropical
form of the order. A little plant, called Physa, is found in Madagascar ; and
some Silenes are scattered in many different parts of the globe. According to
the calculations of Humboldt, Caryophylleae constitute ¥V 0I* the flowering
plants of France, ~ of Germany, T\ of Lapland, -^ of North America.
Properties. Remarkable for little except their uniform insipidity. A few,
such as the Dianthuses and Lychnises, are handsome flowers ; but the greater
part are mere weeds. Saponaria officinalis, Gypsophila Ostruthium, Lychnis
dioica, and L. chalcedonica, have saponaceous properties : Saponaria has been
used in syphilis. Arenaria peploides, having been fermented, is used in Ice-
land as a sort of food. A decoction of the root of Silene virginica is said to
have been employed in North America as anthelmintic. Dec
Decandolle admits two sections (Prodr. 1.)
1. SlLENEiE.
Sepals united in a cj'lindrical tube.
Examples. Lychnis, Dianthus.
2. Alsine^:. Dec. Fl. Franc. 4. 766
►Sepals distinct, or only cohering at the base.
Examples. Stellario. Alsine.
CXLI. FRANKENIACE/E
1'kanK£Niac±:jE, Aug. St. Ililaire Mem. Plac. Ccntr. 39. (1815); Dec. Prodr. I. 349. (1824;;
lAndl. Synops. 38. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite, hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, a 1-cclled ovarium with narrow parietal placentae, 5 connate
sepals, an erect embryo, cxstipulate leaves, and a capsule with septicidai
dehiscence.
A-nomaxies v.,,. Luxembursia be excluded
1 .3.-,
Essential Character — Sepal*- 4-5, united in a furrowed tube, persistent, equal, Petai
alternate with the sepals, hypogynous, unguiculate, with appendages at the base of the limb.
Stamens hypogynous, either equal in number to the petals, and alternate with them, or hav-
ae a tendency°to double the number; anthers roundish, versatile. Ovarium superior ; style
tilfform 2-fid or 3-fid. Capsule 1-celJed, enclosed in the calyx, 2- 3- or 4-valved, many-seeded ;
dehiscence septicidal. Seeds attached to the margins of the valves, very minute ; embryo
straight, erect, in the midst of albumen (divided into two plates, Gcertn. fl.)— Herbaceous
plants or undcr-shrubs. Stems very much branched. Leaves opposite, exstipulate, with a
membranous sheathing base ; often revolute at the edge. Floucrs senile in the division? ol
the branches, and terminal, embosomed in leaves, usually pink.
Affinities. Allied on the one hand to Caryophylleae, from which they
are distinguished by their different placentation, and by the form of their
embryo ; to Linese, from which they are known by their unilocular fruit ; and
on the other to Violaceae, which differ in having a loculicidal, not septicidal,
dehiscence. Their habit is that of Amarantaceee and Illecebreae, from which
their petals and compound fruit divide them.
Geography. This order is chiefly found in the north of Africa and south
of Europe. Two species are natives of the Cape of Good Hope, 1 of South
America, 4 of New Holland, and 3 of temperate Asia. None have been
found in tropical India or North Amerigo
Properties. Unknown.
Example ' Frankenia.
CXLII. TAMARISCINE/E. The Tamarisk Tribe
T MfAUBClnmB. Desvaux, in a Dissertation read before the French Institute (in 1815,) accord-
ing- to the Ann. Sc. Nat. 4. 344. (1825); A. St. Hil. Mem. Mus. 2. 205. (1816); Ehrenb.
in Annates des Sciences, 12. G8. (1827); Dec. Prodr. 3. 95. (1828); Lindl. Synops.
61. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous stamens,
concrete carpella, a 1-celled ovarium with placentae at the base, no stipulae.
shrubby stems, comose seeds, and a 4- or 5-parted calyx.
Anomalies,
Essential Character.— Calyx 4- or 5-parted, persistent, with an imbricated aestivation.
Petals inserted into the base of the calyx, withering, with an imbricated aestivation. Sta-
mens hypogynous, either equal to the petals in number, or twice as many, distinct or mona-
delphous. Ovarium superior ; style very short ; stigmata 3. Capsule 3-valved, 1-celled, many-
seeded ; placentas. 3, either at the base of the cavity, or along the middle of the valves. -Scecfs
erect or ascending, comose; albumen none; embryo straight, with an inferior radicle.
Shrubs or herbs, with rod-like branches. Leaves alternate, resembling scales, entire, t lowers
in close spikes or racemes.
Affinities. According to Decandolle (Prodr. 3. 95.), who places the
order among those with perigynous stamens, related to Portulaceae (or Illece-
breae,) on account of the resemblance between their flowers and those of Tele-
phium ; but they differ in their parietal exalbuminous comose seeds. Also
allied to Lythrariae and Onagraria?, but differing from the former in the imbri-
cated aestivation, the petals arising from the bottom of the calyx, and parietal
seeds ; and from the latter in their superior ovarium, and the imbricated aesti-
vation of the calyx. Dr. Ehrenberg asserts the order to have hypogynous
stamens (Ann. des Sc. 12. 77.), and this agrees with my own observations.
The same botanist, in separating the Tamarix songarica of Willdenow from
Tamariscineae, and referring it to the vicinity of Reaumuria, establishes the
affinity of Tamariscineae to the order of Reaumurieee. Its true station appears
to me to be next Frankenia.cc;>'
150
< itoGRAPHY. Exclusively confined to the northern hemisphere, and even
to its eastern half, that is, to the old world, on which they extend as far as the
Cape de Verds. They usually grow b}* the sea-side, but occasionally by the
edges of rivers and torrents. The maximum of species and of individuals also
is found in the basin of the Mediterranean. The order appears bounded on
the south by the 8° or 9° parallel of N. lat., and on the north by that of 50°
and 55° in Siberia, Germany, and England. Ehrenb.
Properties. The bark is slightly bitter, astringent, and probably tonic.
T. gallica and africana are remarkable for the quantity of sulphate of soda
which their ashes contain. Dec. Dr. Ehrenberg found that the Manna of
Mount Sinai is produced by a variety of Tamarix galhca. This substance,
being analysed by M. Mitscherlich, was found to contain no crystallisable
Mannite, but to consist wholly of pure mucilaginous sugar. Ann. des Sc. 1. c
Examples. Tamarix, Myricaria.
fr
CXLIII. ELATINE/E. The Water-Pepper Tribe.
Elatineje, Cambessedes in Mem. Mus. 18. 225. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite hypogynous distinct
stamens, concrete carpella, an ovarium of several cells with the placentae in
the axis, an imbricated calyx, S3uumetrical flowers, indefinite exalbuminous
seeds with a straight embryo, capitate stigmas, a fruit with the valves alter-
nate with the septa, and a persistent axis and herbaceous stems.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Sepals 3-5, distinct, or slightly connate at the hase. Petals hypo-
gynous, alternate with the sepals. Stamens. hypogynous, usually twice as numerous as the
petals. Ovarium with from 3 to 5 hypogynous cells, an equal number of styles, and capitate
stigmas. Fruit capsular, 3-5-celled, with the valves alternate with the septa, which usually
adhere to a central axis, but in Merimea to the valves separating from the axis. Seeds nume-
rous, with a straight embryo, whose radicle is turned to the hilum, and no albumen. — Annuals,
found in marshy places. Stems fistulous, rooting. Leaves opposite, without stipulte.
Affinities. This little order has been recently established by M. Cambes-
sedes, who distinguishes them from Caryophylleas, with which a part of them
had been confounded, by their capitate stigmata, by the dehiscence of their
fruit, and by their want of albumen. They agree wilh Hypericineae in many
respects, even in the presence of receptacles of resinous secretions ; but differ
in having a persistent central axis in the fruit, definite stamens, and so forth.
Geography. Found in marshes in the four quarters of the globe. The
Elatines are natives of Europe, Bergias of the Cape of Good Hope and the
East Indies, and Merimea of South America.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Elatine. Bergia. Crypta, Merimea.
157
CXLIV. PORTULACEAE. The Purslane Tribe.
Pohtplaceje, Juss. Gen. 313. (1789) in part; A. St. Hit. Mem. Plac. Cent. 42. (1815) ; Dt
Prodr. 3. 351. (1828); Lindl. Synops. 62. (1829) ; Dec. Mem. de la Soc. d'Hist. Nat. de
Paris, {Aug. 1827.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with unsymmetrical perigynous
stamens, concrete carpella, a 1-celled ovarium, herbaceous stems, stamens
opposite the petals or twice as many, 2 sepals, and naked seeds with the em-
bryo curved round the albumen.
Anomalies. Sepals 5 in Trianthema and Cypselea. Petals sometimes
wanting.
Essential Character. — Sepals 2, seldom 3 or 5, cohering- by the base. Petals generally
5, occasionally 3, 4, or 6, either distinct or cohering in a short tube, sometimes wanting. Sta-
mens inserted along with the petals irregularly into the base of tin calyx, variable in number,
all fertile, sometimes opposite the petals ; filaments distinct ; anthers versatile, with 2 cells,
opening lengthwise. Ovarium superior, 1-celled; style single, or none; stigmata several,
much divided. Capsule 1-celled, dehiscing either transversely or by 3 valves, occasionally
1-seeded and indehiscent. Seeds numerous, if the fruit is dehiscent; attached to a central
placenta ; albumen farinaceous ; embryo curved round the circumference of the albumen,
with a long radicle. — Succulent shrubs or herbs. Leaves alternate, seldom opposite, entire,
without stipule, or sometimes with membranous ones on each side at the base, flowers axil-
lary or terminal, usually ephemeral, expanding only in bright sunshine.
Affinities. Related in every point of view to Caryophyllese, from which
they scarcely differ except in their perigynous stamens, which are opposite the
petals when equal to them in number, and two sepals ; the latter character is
not, however, very constant. The presence of scarious stipule in several
Portulaceae, although perhaps an anomaly in the order, indicates their affinity
with Illecebreae, from which the monospermous genera of Portulacese are distin-
guished by the want of symmetry in their flowers, and by the stamens being
opposite the petals instead of the sepals. So close is the relationship between
these orders, that several of the genus Ginginsia in Portulaceae have been referred
to Pharnaceum in Caryophylleae, and several Portulaceae have been described
by authors as belonging to genera of Illecebreae. Decandolle remarks, that
his Ginginsia brevicaulis resembles certain species of Androsace, and that Por-
tulaceae have been more than once compared to Primulaceae (Mem. p. 14.) ;
and the same author remarks, in another place (Prodr. 3. 351 .), that the genera
with indefinite stamens and hairy axillae approach Cacteae, while the apetalous
genera tend towards apetalous Ficoideae.
Geography. A fourth of the order inhabits the Cape of Good Hope,
rather more than another fourth is found in South America, 1 only in Guinea,
2 in New Holland, 1 in Europe, and the remainder in various parts of the
world. They are always found in dry parched places, [except Claytonia and
Montia.]
Properties. Insipidity, want of smell, and a dull green colour, are the
usual qualities of this order, of which the only species of any known use are
common Purslane and Claytonia perfoliata, which resemble each other in
property.
Examples. Portulaca. Monsia, Talinuni
[58
CXLV. FOUQUIERACEiE.
Fouqxjierace*, Dec. Prodr. 3. 349. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Succulent polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous sta-
mens, concrete carpella, a superior ovarium with several cells, and a terminal
style, regular flowers, the petals of which cohere in a tube, indefinite ovula,
and no disk.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, imbricated, ovate, or roundish. Petals 5, combined in
along tube, arising from the bottom of the calyx or torus, regular. Stamens 10 or 12, arising
from the same line as the petals, but distinct from them, exsei tod ; anthers 2-celled. Ovarium
superior, sessile ; style filiform, trificl at the apex ; ovules numerous. Capsule 3-cornered,
3-celled, 3-valved ; valves bearing the dissepiments in the middle. Seeds in part abortive,
compressed, winged, affixed to the axis ; embryo straight, in the centre of thin fleshy albumen ;
cotyledons flat. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves entire, oblong, fleshy, clustered in the axilla of a
spine or a cushion. Flowers scarlet, arranged in a terminal spike or panicle.
Affinities. Separated from Portulaceee by Decandolle, as he tells us
(J\l€m. Porhd. 4.), for the following reasons : 1. because their petals cohere
in along tube of the same nature as that of gamopetalous Crassulaceae ; 2.
because their capsule consists of three loculicidal cells, that is to say, which
separate through the middle, forming three septiferous valves ; and, 3. be-
cause their embryo is straight, with flat cotyledons, and stationed in the centre
of fleshy albumen. They approach the monopetalous Crassulaceae in the
structure of their flower ; and Turneraceae and Loaseae in the form of their
fruit. Dec.
Geography. All Mexican.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Fouquiera, Bronnia.
CXLVI. GALACINEvE.
CLaxacine-E, DoninEdinb. New Phil. Journal, Oct. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous definite stamens
which are alternately sterile, concrete carpella, a superior ovarium of several
cells, several sepals, and indefinite ovules.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx 4-6-parted, persistent. Petals equ^l in number to the seg-
ments of the calyx, into the base of which they are inset ted. Stamens perigynous, twice or 4
times as many as the petals, alternately barren ; monadelphous or distinct ; anthers 2-celled
nr 1-celled. Ovarium 3- or 4-celled, superior, with numerous ovula attached to the axis;
stigma sessile, 3-4-lobed. Capsule 3-4-celled, with 3 or 4 valves, bearing the septa in their
middle. Seeds indefinite — Herbaceous plants. Leaves radical, simple or ly-
rate, without stipula:. Flmcers in terminal racemes. Pedicels with a bractea at the base.
Affinities. This obscure order has been lately defined by Mr. Don ; but
its affinities can scarcely be determined, until something- is known of the seeds.
According to this botanist, it should be placed near Philadelpheae and Saxifra-
geae ; but, in the opinion of Adrien de Jussieu, it, or at least Francoa, is akin to
Crassulaceae. The latter considers the stamens perigynous, the former de-
scribes thorn as hvpogvnous, [The Abbe Correa referred <"4alox to Ericeae ' J
i .;'.*
Geography. Natives of the temperate parts of North and South Ame-
rica.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Galax, Francoa.
Obs. This order requires to be reconsidered.
CXLVII. CRASSULACEiE. The House-leek Tribe.
Semperviv*:, Juss. Gen. 207 (1789).— Succulent*, Vent Tabl. 3. 271. (1791*).— Crassul*:,
Juss. Dict.des Sc. Nat. 11. 369. (1818).— Crassulace-k, Dec. Bull. Philom. n. 49. p. 1.
(1801) ; Fl. Fr. ed 3. v. 4. p. 271. (1805) ; Memoirc (1828) ; Prodr. 3. 381. (1828) : LindL
Synops. 63. (1829).— Sede^e, Sprcng.
Diagnosis. Succulent polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous
stamens, superior distinct ovaria surrounded at the base by hypogynous scales,
indefinite albuminous seeds, sepals in a single row, and exstipulate leaves.
Anomalies. Penthorum is not succulent. This genus and Diamorpha
have the ovaria concrete. Some are monopetalous, particularly the genus Co-
tyledon. Petals and stamens often almost hypogynous. TiLtea has definite
ovules.
Essential Character-.— Sepals from 3 to 20, more or less united at the base. Petals in-
serted in the bottom of the calyx, either distinct or cohering- in a monopetalous corolla. Sta-
mens inserted with the petals, either equal to them in number and alternate with them, or
twice as many, those opposite the petals being shortest, and arriving- at perfection after the
others ; filaments distinct, subulate; anthers of 2 cells, bursting lengthwise. Hypogynous
scales several, 1 at the base of each ovarium, sometimes obsolete. Ovaria of the same num-
ber as the petals, opposite to which they are placed around an imaginary axis, 1-celled, taper-
ing into stigmata. Fruit consisting of several follicles, opening by the suture in their face.
Seeds attached to the margins of the suture, variable in number ; embryo straight in the axis
of the albumen, with the radicle pointing to the hilum.— Succulent herbs or shrubs. Leave*
entire or pinnatifid ; stipulce none. Flowers usually in cymes, sessile, often arranged unila-
terally along the divisions of the cymes.
Affinities. These are all remarkable for the succulent nature of their
stems and leaves, in which they resemble Cacteae, Portulacea-, and certain ge-
nera of Euphorbiacea?, Asclepiadea?., and Asphodeleee ; but this analogy goes
no further. Their real affinity is probably with Saxifrages?, through Pentho-
rum, and with Illecebrere through Tillaea, as Decandolle has remarked. In
both those orders the hypogynous scales of Crassulacese are wanting. Are
not these bodies analogous to the scales out of which the stamens of Zygo-
phyllese spring % If so, an unsuspected affinity exists between these orders.
Decandolle observes {Mdmoire, p. 5.) that there is no instance of a double
flower in the order, although this might have been expected from their analogy
in structure with Caryophyllea?. Sempervivum teclorum exhibits almost con-
stantly the singular phenomenon of anthers bearing ovules instead of pollen.
Geography. It appears from Decandolle's researches, that of the 272
species of which the order consists, 133 are found at the Cape of Good Hope,
2 in South America beyond the tropics, 2 in the same country within the tropics,
none in the West Indies or the Mauritian Islands, 8 in Mexico, 7 in the United
States, 12 in Siberia, 18 in the Levant, 52 in Europe, 18 in the Canaries, 1 in
southern Africa beyond the limits of the Cape, 9 in Barbary, 3 in the East
Indies, 4 in China and Japan, and 2 in New Holland They are found in the
driest situations, where not a blade of grass nor a particle of moss can grow,
on naked rocks, old walls; sandy hot plains, alternately exposed to the heaviest
160
dews of night, and the fiercest rays of the noon-day sun. Soil is to them a
something to keep them stationary, rather than a source of nutriment, which in
these plants is conveyed by myriads of mouths, invisible to the naked eye, but
covering all their surface, to the juicy beds of cellular tissue which lie beneath
them.
Properties. Refrigerant and abstergent properties, mixed sometimes with
a good deal of acridity, distinguish them. The fishermen of Madeira rub their
nets with the fresh leaves of Sempervivum glutinosum, by v hich they are ren-
dered as durable a;-- if fanned, provided they are steeped in some alkaline liquor.
Malic acid exists in Sempervivum tectorum combined with lime. Turner, 634.
Examples. Sempervivum, Crassula, Cotyledon.
CXLVIII. FICOIDE^
Ficoidejs, Juss. Gen. 315. (1789) j Diet. Sc. Nat. 16. 528. (1820) ; Dec. Prodr. 3. 415. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Succulent polypetalous dicotyledons, with definite perigynous
stamens, concrete carpella, an inferior ovarium of several cells, and indefiijite
seeds with the embryo lying on the outside of mealy albumen.
Anomalies. Tetragonia and Miltus have no petals, and definite seeds
Sesuvium and Aizoon have no petals.
Essential Character. — Sepals definite, usually 5, but varying from 4 to 8, more or less
combined at the base, either cohering with the ovarium, or nearly distinct from it, equal or
unequal, with a quincuncial or valvate aestivation. Petals indefinite, coloured, opening- be-
neath bright sunshine, sometimes wanting, but in that case the inside of the calyx is coloured.
Stamens arising fiom the calyx, definite or indefinite, distinct; anthers oblong, incumbent.
Ovarium inferior, or nearly superior, many-celled; stigmata numerous, distinct. Capsule either
surrounded by the fleshy calyx, or naked, many-celled, often 5-celled, opening in a stellate
manner at the apex. Seeds definite, or more commonly indefinite, attached to me inner angle
of the cells; embryo lying on the outside of mealy albumen, curved or spiral. — Shrubby or her-
baceous plants. Leaves succulent, opposite, simple. Flowers usually terminal.
Affinities. The embryo curved round mealy albumen, along with the
superior calyx, and distinctly perigynous stamens, characterizes these among
their neighbours, independently of their succulent habit. With Crassulacea?,
Chenopodeee, and Caryophyllere, they are more or less closely related. Reau-
murieae and Nitrariacea3, combined with Ficoideae by Decandolle, are families
different in affinity.
Geography. The hottest sandy plains of the Cape of Good Hope nourish
the largest part of this order. A few are found in the south of Europe, north of
Africa, Chile, China, Peru, and the South Seas.
Properties. The succulent leaves of a few are eaten, as of Tetragonia
expansa, Mesembryantheinum edule, and Sesuvium portulacastrum ; others
yield an abundance of soda. Mesembryantheinum nodiflorum is used in the
manufacture of Moroquin leather.
Examples. Mesembryantheinum, Tetragonia.
161
CXLIX. NITRARIACEjE.
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous stamens, concrete
carpella, a superior ovarium of several cells, a deeply-divided calyx, regular
flowers, an inflexed valvular aestivation, a terminal single style, pendulous ex-
albuminous seeds, and a straight embryo.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx inferior, 5-toothed, fleshy. Corolla of 6 petals, which arise
from the calyx, with an inflexed valvular aestivation. Stamens 3 times the number of the pe-
tals, perigynous; anthers innate, with 2 oblique longitudinal lines of dehiscence. Ovarium su-
perior, 3, or more celled, with a continuous fleshy style at the apex of which are as many stig-
matic lines as there are cells ; ovula pendulous, by means of a long- funiculus. Fruit drupaceous,
opening by 3 or 6 valves. Seeds solitary, with no albumen, and a straight embryo, with the
radicle next the hilum. — Shrubs with deciduous succulent alternate leaves, which are sometimes
fascicled. F'lowers in cymes, or solitary.
Affinities. I take Nitraria to be the type of an order related on the one
hand to Ficoideae, and on the other to Rhamneae, agreeing with both in a multi-
tude of characters, and with the latter in habit. Decandolle includes Nitraria
and Reaumuria among his Ficoideae spuriaa, at the same time expressing a
doubt whether they belong either to that or the same order. To me it appears
that the affinities of Reaumuria are greater with Hypericum, and I accordingly
adopt Dr. Ehrenberg's proposed separation of that genus along with Hololachna,
the Tamarix songarica of Pallas, into a little order to be called Reaumurieae.
The affinity of Nitraria with Ficoideae is undoubtedly great, especially with Te-
tragonia ; but its very different embryo, and the peculiar aestivation of the pe-
tals, which is much more like that of Rhamneae, remove it from that order.
Geography. Natives of western Asia and the north of Africa. One spe-
cies is described from New Holland.
Properties. Slightly saline. Otherwise unknown.
Example. Nitraria.
CL. ILLECEBRE^E.
HernIabijE, Cat. Hort.Par. (1777).— IllecebrejE, R. Brown Prodromus, 413. (1810); Lindt.
Synops. 60. (1829).— Paronvchieje, Aug. St. Hit. Mem. Plac. lib. p. 56. (1815) ; Juss. Mem,
Mils. 1. 387. (1815) ; Dec. Prodr. 3. 365. (1828) ; Memoire sur les Paronych. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Polypetalous dicotyledons, with perigynous stamens opposite
the 5 sepals, minute petals, concrete carpella, a 1-celled ovarium, and leaves
with scanous stipuke.
Anomalies. Petals very often wanting. Stamens sometimes hypogynous,
Essential Character. — Sepals 5, seldom 3 or 4, sometimes distinct, sometimes cohering
more or less. Petals minute, inserted upon the calyx between the lobes, occasionally wanting.
Stamens perigynous, exactly opposite the sepals, if equal to them in number, sometimes fewer
by abortion ; filaments distinct; anthers 2-celled. Ovarium superior ; styles 2 or 3, either dis-
tinct or partially combined. Fruit small, dry, 1-celled, either indehiscent, or opening with 3
valves. Seeds either numerous, upon a free central placenta, or solitary and pendulous from
a funiculus originating in the base of the cavity of the fruit ; albumen farinaceous ; embryo
lying on one si3e of the albumen, curved more or less, with the radicle always pointing to the
hilum j cotyledons small. — Herbaceous or half-shrubby branching plants, with opposite or al-
ternate, often fascicled, sessile, entire leaves, and scarious stipule. Flowers minute, wifh sca-
rious bracteae.
31
162
Affinities. Very near Portulaceae, Amarantaceae, and Caryophylleae,
from which they are distinguished with difficulty. By excluding Sclerantheae,
which I consider, with Mr. Brown, a distinct order, their scarious stipulae will
distinguish them from the two last ; and there is scarcely any other character
that will ; for there are Caryophyllese that have perigynous stamens, as Lar-
brea and Adenarium, and Illecebreae which have hypogynous ones, as Poly-
carpaea, Stipulicida, and Ortegia. From Portulaceae they are scarcely to be
known with absolute certainty, except by the position of the stamens before
the sepals instead of the petals. With Crassulaceae, particularly Tillaea, they
agree very much in habit, but their concrete carpella will always distinguish
them. Decandolle comprehends in the order various plants which have not
stipulae ; but as the latter organs seem to be an essential part of the character,
I should exclude his dueriaceee, and Minuartieae, which will be found else-
where. The remaining tribes will be :
1. TeLEPHIEjE.
Calyx 5-parted. Petals and stamens 5, arising from the bottom of the ca-
lyx. Styles 3, distinct, or slightly cohering at the base. — Leaves alternate.
Examples. Telephium, Corrigiola.
2. IlLECEBRE.E VERjE.
Calyx 5-parted. Petals 5, or none. Stamens from 2 to 5, arising from the
calyx. Styles distinct, or partially cohering. Capsule indehiscent, 1 -seeded ;
an umbilical cord arising from the bottom, and bearing a somewhat pendulous
seed upon the apex. — Herbs, rarely under-shrubs. Leaves acute, opposite.
Examples. Illecebrum, Herniaria, Gymnocarpum.
3. Polycarp.e.e.
Calyx 5-parted. Petals 5, or none. Stamens from 1 to 5, arising from the
bottom of the calyx. Styles 2 or 3, either distinct down to the base, or com-
bined. Capsule 1-celled, many-seeded. Seeds attached to a central placenta.
— Herbs or under-shrubs. Leaves opposite.
Examples. Polycarpaea, Stipulicida.
4. Pollichie.2E.
Calyx 5-toothed, with an urceolate tube. Stamens 1 or 2, arising from the
throat. Petals none. Stigma bifid. Utriculus valveless, 1-seeded. Brac-
teae (and perhaps also the calyx) enlarged after flowering, fleshy, and resem-
bling a berry. — A suffruticose herb. Leaves opposite, somewhat whorled.
Example. Pollichia.
Geography. The south of Europe and the north of Africa are the great
stations of the order, where the species grow in the most barren places, cover-
ing with a thick vegetation soil which is incapable of bearing any thing else.
A few are found at the Cape of Good Hope ; and North America, including
Mexico, comprehends several.
Properties. A trace of astringency pervades the order, and is the only
sensible property that it is known to possess.
163
CLI. AMARANTACEjE. The Amaranth Tribe.
Ajcabaxthi, Juss. Gen. 87. (1789.)— Amaranthaces, R. Brown Prodr. 413. (1810) ; Von
Martius Monogr. (1826) ; Lindley's Synopsis, 213. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with erect seeds, an embryo curved
round mealy albumen, radicle next the hilum, hypogynous stamens, and
scarious bracteolate calyxes.
Anomalies. Stamens sometimes perigynous.
Essential Character. — Calyx 3- or 5-leaved, hypogynous, scarious, persistent, occa-
sionally with 2 bracteolae at the base. Stamens hypogynous, either 5, or some multiple of
that number, either distinct or monadelphous, occasionally partly abortive ; anthers either
2-celled or 1-celled. Ovarium single, superior, 1- or few-seeded; the ovules hanging from a
free central funiculus ; style 1 or none ; stigma simple or compound. Fruit a membranous
utricle. Seeds lentiform, pendulous ; testa crustaceous ; albumen central, farinaceous ; em-
bryo curved round the circumference; radicle next the hilum; plumula inconspicuous. —
Herbs or shrubs. Leaves simple, opposite or alternate, without stipulse. flowers in heads or
spikes, usually coloured, occasionally diclinous, generally monoclinous. Pubescence simple,
the hairs divided by internal partitions.
Affinities. Different as this order appears to be from Chenopodese in habit,
especially if we compare such a genus as Gomphrena with Chenopodium itself,
it is so difficult to define the differences that distinguish the two orders, that,
beyond habit, nothing certain can be pointed out. Mr. Brown remarks
(Prodr. 413.), that he has not been able to ascertain any absolute diagnosis
to distinguish them by ; for the hypogynous insertion attributed to their sta-
mens is not only not constant in the order, but is also found in some Chenopo-
dese. Dr. Von Martius, in a learned dissertation upon the order, describes
Chenopodeae as being apetalous, and Amarantaceae as polypetalous, consider-
ing the bracteolae of these latter as a calyx, and that which I call a calyx a
corolla. But it seems to me that this view of their structure is not bome out
by analogy, and that it is impossible to believe the floral envelopes of the two
orders to be of a different nature. I am certainly unable to indicate any better
mode of distinguishing them than has been pointed out by those that have
gone before me ; and at the same time I cannot hesitate to keep asunder
orders which it is evident that nature has divided. Bartling combines these
plants in a single class, along with Caryophylleee, Phytolacceae, Scleranthe*,
and Illecebreae ; and there is no doubt of the near affinity borne to each other
by all these, as is pointed out by their habit and by the structure of their seeds.
Geography. These plants grow in crowds or singly, either in dry, stony,
barren stations, or among thickets upon the borders of woods, or a few even
in salt marshes. They are much more frequent within the tropics than
beyond them, and are unknown in the coldest regions of the world. 53 are
found in tropical Asia, 105 in tropical America, but 5 in extra-tropical Asia,
and but 21 in extra-tropical America; 5 are natives of Europe, 28 of New
Holland, and 9 of Africa and its islands. See Von Martius Monogr.
Properties. Many of the species are used as potherbs, on account of the
wholesome mucilaginous qualities of the leaves. Amaranthus obtusifolius is
said to be diuretic. Several are objects of interest with gardeners for the
beauty of their colouring and the durability of their blossoms. Gomphrena
officinalis and macrocephala have a prodigious reputation in Brazil, where
they are called Para todo, Perpetua, and Raiz do Padre Salerma : as the first
of these names imports, they are esteemed useful in all kinds of diseases,
especially in cases of intermittent fevers, colics, and diarrhoea, and against the
bite of serpents. Plantes Usuelles, nos. 31 and 32.
Examples. Amaranthus, Gomphrena, Celosia.
164
CLII. SCLERANTHEiE
Sclebakthe^, Link Enum. 417. (1821); Dec. Prodr. 3. 377. (1828) [a section of Parony-
chiece;]a § of Illecebrese, Lindlex/s Synopsis, 217. (1829.) — Q,ueriaceje, a % of Illece-
brese, Dec. 1. c. (1828.)—? Minuartieje, ibid.
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with a single seed attached to a cord
arising from the base of the cell, an inferior tubular indurated calyx, perigy-
nous stamens, and an embryo curved round mealy albumen, with the radicle
next the hilum.
Anomalies,
Essential Character. Flowers monoclinous. Calyx 4- or 5-toothed, with an urceolato
tube. Stamens from 1 to 10, inserted into the orifice of the tube. Ovarium simple, superior,
1-seeded. Styles 2 or 1, emarginate at the apex. Fruit a membranous utricle enclosed
within the hardened calyx. Seed pendulous from the apex of a funiculus, which arises from
the bottom of the cell ; embryo cylindrical, curved round farinaceous albumen. — Small herbs.
Leaves opposite, without stipules. Flowers axillary, sessile.
Affinities. Referred by Decandolle to Illecebreae, from which they differ
in absence of petals and stipules, these plants appear to me to constitute a dis-
tinct order, more nearly related to Chenopodere, from which they chiefly differ
in the indurated tube of the calyx, from the orifice of which the stamens pro-
ceed, and in the number of the latter exceeding that of the divisions of the
calyx. The tribe of Minuartias is probably not distinguishable from Scleran-
theffi, notwithstanding the supposed presence of petals, which would perhaps
be more properly called abortive stamens.
Geography. Natives of barren fields in Europe, Asia, and North America,
and in sterile places in countries of the southern hemisphere beyond the tropics.
A single species is described from Peru.
Properties. Uninteresting weeds, of no known use.
Examples. Mniarum, Scleranthus.
CLIII. CHENOPODEiE. The Goosefoot Tribe.
Atriplice?, Juss. Gen. 83. (1789). Chenopodes, Vent. Tabl.2. 253. (1799); R.Brown
Prodr. 405. (1810); Lindley's Synopsis, 213. (1829).
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with erect seeds, an embryo curved
round mealy albumen, radicle next the hilum, perigynous stamens, and herba-
ceous ebracteate calyxes.
Anomalies. Stamens sometimes hypogynous.
Essential Character. — Calyx deeply divided, sometimes tubular at the base, persistent,
with an imbricated aestivation. Stamens inserted into the base of the calyx, opposite its seg-
ments, and equal to them in number or fewer. Ovarium single, superior, or occasionally ad-
hering to the tube of the calyx, with a single ovulum attached to the base of the cavity ; style
2 or 4 divisions, rarely simple ; stigmas undivided. Fruit membranous, not valvular, some-
times baccate. Embryo curved round farinaceous albumen, or spiral, or doubled together
without albumen ; radicles next the hilum ;' plumula inconspicuous. — Herbaceous plants or
undcr-shrubs.. Leaves alternate without stipula;, occasionally opposite. Flowers small,
sometimes polygamous.
Affinities The difficulty of distinguishing these from Amarantacese has
been discussed under the latter order. They are distinguished from Phytolac-
ceae, independently of the simplicity of the structure of their ovarium, by their
stamens never exceeding the number of the segments of the calvx, to which
165
they are opposite : in Phytolaccea?, if they ate not more numerous than tho
segments of the calyx, they are alternate with them.
Geography. Weeds inhabiting waste places in all parts of the world, but,
unlike Amarantaccge, abounding least within the tropics, and most in extra-tro-
pical regions. They are exceedingly common in all the northern parts of Eu-
rope and Asia.
Properties. Some of these are used as potherbs, as Basella, Spinage, Gar-
den Orach ( Atriplex hortensis), and Chard Beet ; the roots of others form valu-
able articles of food, as Beet and Mangel Wurzel. Many of them possess an
essential oil, which renders them tonic and antispasmodic ; such are Chenopo-
dium ambrosioides and botrys. Chenopodium quinoa is a common article of
food in Peru. But the most important of their qualities is the production of
soda, which is yielded in immense quantities by the Salsolas, Salicornias,
and others. The essential oil of Chenopodium anthelminticum, known in
North America under the name of Worm-seed Oil, is powerfully anthelmintic.
Barton, 2. 187. The seeds of Atriplex hortensis are said to be so unwhole-
some as to excite vomiting. M. Chevallier has remarked the singular fact, that
Chenopodium vulvaria exhales pure ammonia during its whole existence. This
is the only observation upon record of a gaseous exhalation of azote by vege-
tables ; and the facility with which this principle is abandoned by ammonia
may perhaps explain the presence of azotic products in the vegetable kingdom.
Ann. des Sc. Nat. 1. 444. [M. Meyer has given a full synoptical table of this
family in the Flora Altaica of Ledebour, published at Berlin in 1829. See
Ferrusacs Bull. No. 6. June 1830.]
CLIV. PHYTOLACCEiE. The Virginian Poke-Tribe
Phytolacce^:, R. Brown in Congo, 454. (1818).
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite erect ovula, an inferior
many-leaved calyx, distinct perigynous stamens, a multilocular ovarium, an
embryo rolled round mealy albumen, with the radicle next the hilum, and ter-
minal stigmas.
Anomalies. Rivina has only 1 carpellum.
Essential Character. — Calyx of 4 or 5 petaloid leaves. Stamens either indefinite, or, if
equal to the number of the divisions of the calyx, alternate with them. Ovarium of from 1 to
several cells, each containing 1 ascending ovulum ; styles and stigmas equal in number to the
cells. Fruit baccate or dry, entire or deeply lobed, 1- or many celled. Seeds ascending, soli-
tary, with a cylindrical embryo curved round mealy albumen, with the radicle next the hilum.
— Under-shrubs or herbaceous plants. Leaves alternate, entire, without stipula;, often with pel-
lucid dots. Flowers racemose.
Affinities. Nearly related to Chenopodese and Polygonea?, from the first
of which they are distinguished hy their multilocular ovarium, and by their
stamens exceeding the number of divisions of the calyx ; a circumstance
which never occurs in Chenopodese. From Polygoneae they are known by
the radicle being turned towards the hilum, and the want of stipulse. Rivina,
which has the albumen very much reduced in quantity, and a unilocular fruit,
connects Phytolaccere with Petiveriaceae. Mr. Brown remarks (Congo, 455)
that these two orders, widely as they differ in the structure of the ovarium, are
connected by a species of Phytolacca related to P. abyssinica, in which the 5
cells are so deeply divided that they merely cohere by their inner angles ; and
166
also by Giselria, which has 5 distinct ovaria. But I do not think that the exist-
ence of these gradations of structure in the ovarium neutralizes the remarka-
ble differences that still exist between these two orders in the embryo and sti-
pule.
Geography. Natives of either America, within or without the tropics,
Africa and India. None have been found wild in Europe ; but Phytolacca de-
candra is naturalized in some of the southern parts.
Properties. A tincture of the ripe berries of Phytolacca decandra seems
to have acquired a well-founded reputation as a remedy for chronic and syphyli-
tic rheumatism; and for allaying syphiloid pains. By some it is said to be more
valuable than Guaiacum. Its pulverized root is an emetic. Barton, 2. 220.
And a spirit distilled from the berries is stated to have killed a dog in a few
minutes, by its violent emetic effects. According to Decandolle, this plant is
also a powerful purgative. The leaves are extremely acrid, but the young
shoots, which lose this quality by boiling in water, are eaten in the United
States as Asparagus.
Examples. Phytolacca, Rivina.
CLV. PETLVERIACE^E.
Petivebie*, Agardh Classes, (1825).— Petivehiaceje, Link Handb. 1. 392. (1829.)]
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite erect ovula, an inferior
many-leaved calyx, distinct perigynous stamens, an exalbuminous embryo with
spiral cotyledons, and the radicle next the hilum.
Anomalies.
Esssential Character. — Calyx of several distinct leaves. Stamens perigynous, either
indefinite, or, if equal to the segments of the calyx, alternate with them. Ovarium superior,
1-celled; styles 3 or more; stigma lateral; ovulum erect; Fruit 1-celled, indehiscent, dry.
(Seed erect, without albumen; embryo straight; cotyledons convolute; radicle inferior. — JJn-
der-shrubs, or herbaceous plants, with an alliaceous odour. Leaves alternate, entire, with dis-
tinct stipule, often with minute pellucid dots. Flowers racemose.
Affinities. Obviously akin both to Phytolaccere and Polygonea^, with the
former of which Mr. Brown combines them. They are, however, distinguished
from Phytolaccese by the presence of stipulee, and by their straight embryo des-
titute of albumen, and spiral cotyledons. From Polygonea^ they are known
by the same characters, and also by the radicle being turned towards the hilum,
and the stipuleenot having the form of Ochrere.
Geography. West Indian or tropical American plants ; for the Seguiera
asiatica of Loureiro probably does not belong to the order.
Properties. Nothing is known of their qualities, except that Petiveria
alliacea yields a strong smell of garlic.
Examples. Petiveria, Seguiera.
167
CLVI. POLYGONE.E. The Buck-wheat Tribe.
Polyoonm, Juss. Gen. 82. (1789); R. Brown, Prodr. 418. (1810) ; Lindl. Synops.209. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite erect ovula, ochreate sti-
pulae, and a radicle remote from the hilum.
Anomalies. Eriogonum has not ochreate stipulse.
Essential Chahacteh. — Calyx divided, inferior, imbricated in {estivation. Stamens defi-
nite, inserted in the bottom of the calyx ; anthers dehiscing1 lengthwise. Ovarium superior,
with a single erect ovulum ; styles or stigmas several. Nut usually triangular, naked, or pro-
tected by the calyx. Seed with farinaceous albumen, rarely with scarcely any ; embryo in-
verted, generally on one side; plumula inconspicuous; radicle at the end remote from the
hilum. — Herbaceous plants, rarely shrubs. Leaves alternate, their stipule cohering round the
stem in the form of an ochrea j when young, rolled backwards. Flowers occasionally dicli-
nous, often in racemes.
Affinities. Mr. Brown remarks, that " the erect ovulum with a superior
radicle together afford the most important mark of distinction between Polygo-
neae and Chenopodes, a character which obtains even in the genus Eriogonum,
in which there is no petiolar sheath, and scarcely any albumen, the little that
exists being fleshy." Generally speaking, however, the cohesion of the sca-
rious stipulae into a sheath, technically called an ochrea, or boot, is sufficient to
distinguish Polygonese from all other plants. For their relation to Begonia-
ceffi, see that order.
Geography. There are few parts of the world that do not acknowledge the
presence of plants of this order. In Europe, Africa, North America, and
Asia, they fill the ditches, hedges, and waste grounds, in the form of Docks
and Persicarias ; the fields, mountains, and heaths, as Sorrels and trailing or
twining Polygonums ; in South America and the West Indies they take the
form of Coccolobas or sea-side grapes ; in the Levant, of Rhubarbs ; and even
in the desolate regions of the North Pole they are found in the shape of Oxyria,
Properties. Sorrel on the one hand, and Rhubarb on the other, may be
taken as the representatives of the general qualities of this order. While the
leaves and young shoots are acid and agreeable, the roots are universally nau-
seous and purgative. To these two qualities is to be superadded a third, that of
astringency, which is found in a greater or less degree in the whole order, but
which becomes in Coccoloba uvifera so powerful as to rival Gum Kino in its
. effects. Some of the Polygonums are extremely acrid, as the P. Hydropiper,
which is said to blister the skin. There is a species of Polygonum, called Ca-
tayain the language of the Brazilian Indians, an infusion of the ashes of which
is used to purify and condense the juice of the sugar-cane. It has a very bit-
ter peppery taste, and is employed on the Rio St. Francisco with advantage in
the disease called O Largo, which is an enlargement of the colon, caused by
debility. Pr. Max. Trav. 71. The stem of the Rheum has been supposed#to
contain a peculiar acid called the rheumic, but this is now known to be the ox-
alic. Turner, 641. Rumex acetosa contains pure oxalic acid. Ibid. 623.
The principle in which the active property of Rhubarb exists is supposed to be
a peculiar chemical substance called Rhubarbarin. Ibid. 701. Some infor-
mation may be found upon the Rhubarbs of India in the Trans, of the Med.
and Phys. Soc. of Calcutta, 3. 438. by Dr. Royle ; but nothing certain had been
collected by him with regard to the plant producing the true officinal substance.
Many species of Polygonum are used in dyeing. The seeds of P. fagopyrum
and tartaricum are used as food, for the sake of their mealy albumen ; those of
P. aviculare are said to be powerfully emetic and purgative ; but this is doubted
by Meisner. Mon, 49. The seeda of Polygonum barbatum are used as me-
168
dicine by Hindoo practitioners, to ease the pain of griping in the colic. Ains-
lie, 2. 2. The leaves of P. hispidum are said by Humboldt to be substituted,
in South America, for tobacco. JV. G. and Sp. 2. 178.
Examples. Rheum, Rumex, Coccoloba.
CLVII. BEGONIACE^.
BEGONiACfijE, R. Brown in Congo, 454. (1818) ; Link Hanb. 1. 309- (1829) ; Martius H. Reg
Mon. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with a 3-celled winged ovarium, inde-
finite ovules an irregular imbricated calyx, and membranous stipulae.
Anomalies.
Essential CilARACTEft. — Flowers diclinous. Sepalssupcrior coloured ; in the staminiferous 4,
2 within the others and smaller ; in the pistilliferous 5, imbricated, two smaller than the rest. Sta-i
mens indefinite, distinct or combined into a solid column ; anthers collected in a head, 2-celled
continuous with the filaments, clavate, the connectivum very thick, the cells minute, bursting
longitudinally. Ovarium inferior, winged, 3-celled, with 3 double polyspermous placentae in
the axi9 ; stigmas 3, 2-lobed, sessile, somewhat spiral. Fruit membranous, capsular, winged,
3-celled, with an indefinite number of minute seeds ; bursting by slits at the base on each side
of the wings. Seeds with a transparent thin testa marked by reticulations, which are oblong
at the sides and contracted at either extremity ; embryo very cellular, without albumen, with
a blunt round radicle next the hilum. — Herbaceous plants or under-shrubs, with an acid juice.
Leaves alternate, toothed, oblique at the base. Stipulce scarious. Flowers pink, in cymes.
Affinities. It is not easy to fix with precision the relative position of this
order : I formerly thought it related to Hydrangeas, chiefly on account of the
striking resemblance in the areolations of the seeds, and the irregularity of the
flowers. It is probable, however, that more importance should be attributed to
the acid juice and membranous large stipule, in which case Begoniacese are
most nearly related to Polygoneae, many of which have a coloured calyx and
3-cornered fruit from which they differ in the structure of the fruit and seed.
Link places them near Umbelhferae ; but I know not upon what grounds.
Geography. Common hi the West Indies, South America, and the East
Indies. Mr. Brown remarks, that no species has been found on the continent
of Africa, though several have been found in Madagascar and the Isles of
France and Bourbon, and 1 in the Island of Johanna. Congo, 464.
Properties. The roots are astringent and slightly bitter. Those of 2
species are used in Peru with success! in cases of a flux of blood, or in other
visceral diseases in which astringents are employed. They are also said to be
useful in cases of scurvy, and in certain fevers.
Example. Begonia.
CLVIII. NYCTAGINEiE. The Marvel of Peru Tribe,
Nyctaqines, Juss. Gen, 90. (1789); R. BfownProdr. 421. (1810.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite ascending ovula, an infe-
rior tubular (often coloured) calyx hardening at the base, hypogynous stamens,
and embryo surrounding floury albumen.
Anomalies.
169
Essential Character. — Calyx tubular, somewhat coloured, contracted in the middle; its
limb entire or toothed, plaited in aestivation, becoming indurated at the base. Stamens defi-
nite, hypogynous ; anthers 2-celled. Ovary superior, with a single erect ovulum ; style 1 ;
stigma 1. Fruit a thin utricle, enclosed within the enlarged persistent tube of the calyx.
Seed without its proper integuments, its testa being coherent with the utricle ; embryo with
foliaceous cotyledons, wrapping round floury albumen ; radicle inferior ; plumula inconspicu-
ous.— Stem either herbaceous, shrubby, or arborescent. Leaves opposite, and almost always
unequal ; sometimes alternate. Flowers axillary or terminal, clustered or solitary, having an
involucrum which is either common or proper, in one piece or in several pieces, sometimes
minute.
Affinities. The tubular calyx, the limb of which is plaited in aestivation,
and the base of which becomes hardened round the ovarium, so that it resem-
bles a woody pericarp, will, if taken with the curved embryo and farinaceous
albumen, at all times distinguish Nyctaginese ; add to which, the articulations
are tumid, as in Geraniaceoe. Its nearest affinity is perhaps with Polygonese,
from which it, however, differs so much that it need not be compared with
them.
Geography. Natives of the warmer parts of the world in either hemis-
phere, scarcely extending far beyond the tropics, except in the case of the Abro-
nias found in Northwest America.
Properties. In consequence of the generally purgative quality of the
roots of species of this family, one of them was supposed to have been the true
jalap plant, which is, however, now known to be a mistake. The flowers of
several species of Mirabilis are handsome, as are those also of some of the
Abronias ; but the greater part of the order is composed of obscure weeds.
The genus Pisonia consists of trees or shrubby plants.
Examples. Mirabilis, Boerhaavia, Oxybaphus.
CLIX. SAURUREiE.
SAURURE.E, Rich. Anal. (180S) ; Meyer dc Houttuynia alque Saururcis, (1827) : Martins Hort
Monac. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Achlamydeous dicotyledons, with 4 carpella, ascending ovules,
and embryo in a sac.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers naked, seated upon a scale, monoclinous. Stamens 6
clavate, hopogynous, persistent ; filaments slender ; anthers continuous with the filament cu-
neate, with a thick connectivum and 2 lateral lobes bursting longitudinally. Ovaria 4 each
distinct, with I ascending ovulum and a sessile recurved stigma, or connate into a 3- or
4-celled pistillum, with a few ovula ascending from the edge of the projecting semi-dissepi-
ments. Fruit either consisting of 4 fleshy indehiscent nuts, or 3- or 4-celled capsule, opening
at the apex and containing a few ascending seeds. Seeds with a membranous integument ;
embryo minute, lying in a fleshy lenticular sac, which is seated on the outside of the hard
mealy albumen at the end most remote from the hilum. Herbaceous plants, growing in marshy
places, or floating in water. Leaves alternate with stipula. Hairs jointed. Flowers growing
in spikes.
Affinities. Very near Piperaceae, with which they agree in habit, but
from which they differ in the compound nature of their ovarium, and their nu-
merous stamens. From repeated examination of the embryo of Saururus, I
have no doubt whatever that the embryo has no kind of vascular connexion with
the sac that contains it ; and hence I adopt the opinion of Mr. Brown, that this
sac is in reality nothing but the remains of the amnios surrounding the em-
bryo. For the opinions of Mirbel and Richard upon this subject, see the
figures and remarks of the former in Ann, Mtis. 16. 449., and of the latter in
32
170
Humboldt and Bo npl. A". Gen. el Sp. 1. 3. ; the latter being unquestionably
wrong in considering the sac a portion of the embryo. This order is one of
those which tend to destroy the distinction between Monocotyledons and Dico-
tyledons. Its affinity with Fluviales is indicated by the floating habit and
general appearance of Aponogeton, and with Typhineee by its anthers ; but its
foliage and supulse are those of Dicotyledons, and the structure of the seed and
the position of the embryo in a fleshy sac demonstrate its vicinity to Pipera-
cese. [Saururus, though always growing in water, is by no means a floating
plant.]
Geography. Natives of North America, China, the north of India, and
the Cape of Good Hope, growing in marshes or pools of water.
Properties. Unknown.
Example. Saurums, Aponogeton.
CLX. CHLORANTHEiE.
Chloranthe.s;, R. Brown in Bot. Mag. 2190. (1821) ; Lindl. Collect. Bot. 17. (1821); Meyer de
lloutluynia clique Saururcis, 51. (1827) ; Blume Mora Java, (1829.)
Diagnosis. Achlamydeous herbaceous dicotyledons, with a 1-celled ova-
rium, a pendulous ovulum, opposite leaves, spiked flowers, and an embryo not
enclosed in a sac.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers naked, spiked, monoclinous, or diclinous, with a support-
ing scale. Stamens lateral ; if more than 1, connate, definite; anthers 1-celled, bursting lon-
gitudinally, each adnate to a fleshy connectivum, which coheres laterally in various degrees
(2-celled, according to some) ; filaments slightly adhering to the ovarium. Ovarium 1-celled ;
stigma simple, sessile •- ovule pendulous. Fruit drupaceous, indehiscent. Seed pendulous ;
embryo minute, placed at the apex of fleshy albumen, with the radicle inferior, and consequent-
ly remote from the hilum ; cotyledons divaricate. — Herbaceous plants or undcr-shrubs, with an
aromatic taste. Steins jointed, tumid under the articulations. Leaves opposite, simple, with
sheathing petioles and minute intervening stipulce. Flowers in terminal spikes.
Affinities. Nearly allied to Saururere and Piperaceae, from both which
they differ in the want of a sac to the embryo, and in the pendulous ovule,
and opposite leaves with intermediate stipulre. Their anthers consist of a
fleshy mass, upon the face of which the cell lies that bears the pollen :
whether these anthers are 1- or 2-cclled, is a matter of doubt ; one botanist
considering those which have 2 cells to be double anthers, another understand-
ing those with 1 cell to be half anthers. Dr. Bluine describes a calyx as
being sometimes present in a rudimentary state, adhering to the ovarium, and
hence he suspects some affinity between these plants and Opercularineaj. But
I am persuaded that no such rudiment exists ; it is not represented in Dr.
Blume's figures.
Geography. Natives of the hot parts of India and South America, the
West Indies, and Society Islands.
Properties. The whole plant of Chi. officinalis has an aromatic fragrant
smell, which is gradually dissipated in drying ; but its roots retain a fragrant
camphorated smell, and an aromatic, somewhat bitter, flavour. They are
found to possess very nearly the properties of Aristolochia serpentaria, and in
as high a degree. There seems to be no doubt that it is a stimulant of the
highest order. See Blume Fl. Jav.
Examples. Chloranthus, Ascarina, Hcdyosrnum.
171
clxi. lacisteme/e.
Lacistemeje, Marlins N. G. ct Sp. PI. 1. 151. (1821.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with indefinite ovules, a 1-celled
ovarium with parietal placenta, dehiscent fruit, amentaceous monoclinous
flowers, and hypogynous unilateral stamens.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx in several narrow division.?, inferior, covered over by a
dilated bractea. Corolla wanting-. Stamens hypogynous, standing on one side of the
ovarium, with a thick 2-lobed connectivum, at the apex of each of which lobes is placed a
single cell of an anther, bursting- transversely. Ovarium superior, seated in a fleshy disk,
1-celled, with several orula attached to parietal placenta: ; stigmas 2 or 3, sessile or on a style.
Fruit capsular, 1-celled, splitting into 2 or 3 valves, each of which bears a placenta in its
middle. Seed usually, by abortion, solitary, suspended, with a fleshy arillus ; integument
crustaceous ; albumen fleshy ; embryo inverted, with plane cotyledons and a superior straight
cylindrical radicle. — Small trees or shrubs. Leaves simple, alternate, with stipula?. Flowers
disposed in clustered axillary amenta.
Affinities. Dr. Von Martius, the founder of this order, which he divides
from Urticeee, speaks of it thus : " The peculiar character consists in the
presence of a distinct perianthium, while the amentaceous inflorescence is an
indication of an affinity with apetalous orders of a lower grade." The same
botanist indicates their affinity with Chloranthere in the structure of the fila-
ment, and with Samydere in that of their fruit, " the monadelphous stamens
of both which may be perhaps considered a higher kind of evolution of the
fleshy disk in the bottom of the flower of Lacistema." In habit they are
something like Piperacese, but more arborescent.
Geography. Natives of low places in woods in equinoctial America,
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Lacistema.
CLXII. PIPERACE/E. The Pepper Tribe.
Piperace^, Rich, in Humb. Bonpl. ct Kunth N. G. ct Sp. PL 1. 39. t. 3. (1815); Meyer de
Houttuynia atquc Saururcis, (1827.)
Diagnosis. Achlamydeous dicotyledons, with a 1-celled ovarium, erect
ovules, and an embryo enclosed in a sac.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Floiccrs naked, monoclinous, with a bractea on the outside.
Stamens definite or indefinite, arranged on one side or all round the ovarium, to which tiny
adhere more or less; anthers 1- or 2-cclled, with or without a fleshy connectivum ; pollen
smooth. Ovarium superior, simple, 1-celled, containing a single erect orulum; sti
sessile, simple, rather oblique. Fruit superior, somewhat fleshy, indehiscent, 1-celled, 1-seeded.
Seed erect, with the embryo lying in a fleshy sac placed at that end of the seed which is oppo-
site the hilum, on the outside of the albumen. — Shrubs or herbaceous plants. J^cavcs opposite.
verticillatc, or alternate in consequence of the abortion of one of the pair of leaves, without
stipules. Flowers usually sessile, sometimes pedicellate, in spikes which are either terminal,
or axillary, or opposite the leaves.
Affinities. As we approach the Monocotyledonous division of vegetables,
we find the distinction between them and Dicotyledons, as derived from their
anatomical structure, becoming weaker and weaker ; but at the same time it
appears to me that sufficient distinctions are still visible between these two
modes of growth. Of this Piperacere arc an instance According to Richard,
172
they are Monocotyledonous ; an opinion in which Blume concurs, after an
examination of abundance of species in their native places of growth. See
Ann. des Sc. 12. 222. But if the medullary rays constitute the great anato-
mical difference between these divisions of the vegetable kingdom (and I know
of no other which is absolute), then Piperaceae are surely Dicotyledonous, as
is shown by Meyer (Dissertatio tie Hoiithtynia, 38), and as may be ascer-
tained by any one who will look at an old stem of any Pepper ; add to this,
the veins of their leaves having a distinct articulation with the stem, and the
2-lobed embryo ; and it seems to me impossible to doubt their being properly
stationed among Dicotyledons. In this view they are closely related to Poly-
gonere, Saururese, and Urticeee, from all v/hich, however, the_y are distinguished
by obvious characters ; and also to Chloranthese, from which they differ in
the point of attachment of the ovule, and in the distinct existence of the
remains of the amnios in the form of a sac around the embryo. In the
opinion of those who believe Piperaceae to be Monocotyledons, their station is
near Aroideae, with which, indeed, they must be considered in any point of
view to be closely connected.
Geography. Exclusively confined to the hottest parts of the world.
They are extremely common in tropical America and the Indian archipelago,
but, according to Mr. Brown, are very rare in equinoctial Africa. Only 3
species have been found on the west coast ; several exist at the Cape of Good
Hope. Congo, 464.
Properties. Common Pepper, so well known for its pungent, stimulant,
aromatic quality, represents the ordinary property of the order, which is not
confined to the fruit only, but which pervades all the parts in a greater or less
degree. The Cubebs of the shops, remarkable for their extraordinary power
of allaying inflammation in the urethra and in the mucous membrane of the
intestinal canal, are the dried fruit of Piper cubeba. Ainslie, 1. 98. The
chemical principle called Piperin has been found in Black Pepper. Turner,
700. Piper anisatum has a strong smell of Anise, and a decoction of lt^p
berries is used to wash ulcers. Betel, an acrid stimulating substance, much
used for chewing by the Malays, is the produce of Piper Betel, and Siriboa.
Finally, P. inebrians possesses narcotic properties, of which the South Sea
islanders avail themselves for preparing an intoxicating beverage. Dec.
Examples. Piper, Peperomia.
CLXIII. PODOSTEM$fc.
POD0STEME.E, Richard and Kunlh in Humb. N. G. et Sp. 1. 246. (1815) ; Martius Nov. G. et
Sp. 1. 6. (1822.)
Diagnosis. Achlamydeous herbaceous dicotyledons, with a 2-celled poly-
spermous capsule, and solitary flowers.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers naked, monoclineus, bursting- through an irregularly
lacerated spatha. Stamens hypogynous, varying from 2 to an indefinite number, either
placed all round the ovarium or on one side of it, monadelphous, alternately sterile ; anthers
oblong-, 2-cclled, bursting longitudinally. Ovarium 2-cellcd, with numerous ovula attached
to a fleshy central placenta ; styles or stigmas 2 or 3, and sessile. Fruit slightly pedicellate,
ribbed, capsular, opening by 2 valves, which fall off from the dissepiment, which is parallel
with them. Seeds numerous, minute, their structure unknown, or, according to Von Martius,
entirely simple.— Herbaceous branched floating plant3. Leaves capillary, or linear, or lacer-
ated irregularly, or minute and densely imbricated, decurrent on the stem, with which
they are not articulated. Flowers axillary or terminal, inconspicuous.
173
Affinities. Little is at present known of the real characters of this
curious order. Only 2 of its genera, Mniopsis and Lacis, have been well
described, and even these are still but imperfectly understood. Dr. Von Mar-
tius has the following remarks upon it : " It is very doubtful in what part of
the natural series Podostemere should be arranged ; for they are connected
with so many other orders, in so various and complicated a manner, that it is
highly probable that several genera, the affinities of which will be more appa-
rent, still remain to be discovered. Nothing can be more singular than the
mixture of different characters which they exhibit. Thus, the structure of
their spathes, and the want of a true calyx and corolla, approximate them to
Naiades (Fluviales) and Aroideaa, while the character of their stamens and
fruit is very much that of Juncaginese ; the former of these, however, differ in
their lower degree of organization, and the latter in the presence of a more or
less perfect perianthium, and in the composition of their capsule. Lemna, a
genus closely allied to Aroideaa, seems to be more related to them in its spatha,
hypogynous stamens, habit, and mode of life, but is distinguished by its less
highly developed few-seeded fruit. Again, Mniopsis, in its ramification, in the
form and position of its leaves, and in its stipule, and Lacis and Podostemum
in the character of their spatha and the emersion of their pedicels at the time
of flowering, call remarkably to mind the habit of Jungermanniae ; so that we
should probably not be far from the truth, if we were to say that this order
forms a transition from Naiades (Fluviales) to Juncaginea?, on the one hand
touching upon Aroidese, thus being, as it were, a sort of noble analogy of
Hepaticse among monocotyledons." Nov. G. el Sp. 1. 7. Upon this it is
difficult to make any additional remarks, without being in possession of a more
complete knowledge of their structure. I must, however, observe, that it
appears to me clear that Podostemeae are not monocotyledons, as Von Mar-
tius, Kunth, and Richard, suppose, but dicotyledons ; for which I have to offer
the following reasons : In the first place their habit is that of dicotyledons,
and not of monocotyledons' ; Podostemon being very like a starved Pepper,
and Hydrostachys having its flowers in spikes resembling those of Saururus.
Tristicha has minute scale-like leaves, imbricated in 3 rows, like which there
is nothing among monocotyledons. To this may be added the binary division
of the ovarium, which is analogous to that of many dicotyledons, but a very
rare structure among monocotyledons. Finally, the vernation of the leaves of
Mourera of Aublet (t. 233), and of Marathrum, which is perhaps not distinct,
is entirely that of dicotyledons, rather than of monocotyledons. I incline to
place the order in the neighbourhood of Piperaceae, to which it probably
approaches more nearly than to any plants hitherto discovered.
Geography. Natives of still waters and damp places in South Ame-
rica and the islands off the east coast of Africa ; 1 species is found in North
America.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Lacis, Podostemum, Hydrostachys.
CLXIV. CALLITRICHINEiE.
Callithichineje, Link Enum. 1. 7. (1821); Dec. Prodr. 3. 71. (1828); a sect, of Haloragea?.
Lindl. Synops. 242. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Achlamydcous herbaceous dicotyledons, witha4-celledovarium,
and solitary peltate seeds.
Anomalies.
174
Essential Character. — Movers usually diclinous, moncecious, naked, with 2 fistular
coloured bractese. Stamens single ; filament filiform, furrowed along the middle; anther
reniform, 1-celled, 2-valved; the valves opening fore and aft. Ovarium solitary, 4-cornered,
4-celled ; otmles solitary, peltate ; styles 2, right and left, subulate ; stigmas simple points.
Fruit 4-celled, 4 seeded, indehiscent. Seeds peltate ; embryo inverted in the axis of fleshy
albumen; radicle very long, curved, superior; cotyledons very short. — Small aquatic herba-
ceous plants, with opposite, simple, entire leaves. Flowers axillary, solitary, very minute.
Affinities. I have remarked in my Synopsis, that " the affinity of this
order to other dicotyledons appears to be of precisely the same nature as that
borne by Lemna to monocotyledons : they each exhibit the lowest degree of
organization known in their respective classes." Mr. Brown considers it allied
to Halorageae ; an opinion in which I concur, without adopting Decandolle's
explanation of the structure of the flowers ; but at the same time I confess
that this affinity is less strong than could be wished ; is it not rather an ano-
malous form of a reduced Euphorbiacea, or is it related to Podostemese 1 All
this is still a problem.
Geography. Natives of still waters in Europe and North America.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Callitriche.
CLXV. CERATOPHYLLE^E.
CERATOPHYLLEa:, Dec. Prodr. 3. 73. (1828) ; Lindl. Synops. 225. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Apetalous dicotyledons, with definite pendulous ovula, solitary
flowers, a 1-celled ovarium, and many-parted calyx.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoecious. Calyx inferior, many-parted. Stamens
from 12 to 20 ; filaments wanting; anthers 2-celled. Ovarium, superior, 1-celled ; ovule
solitary, pendulous ; stigma filiform, oblique, sessile. Nut 1 celled, 1-seeded, indehiscent,
terminated by the hardened stigma. Seed pendulous, solitary ; albumen 0 ; embryo with 4
cotyledons, alternately smaller ; plumula many-leaved ; radicle superior. (Dec.) — Floating
herbs, with multifid cellular leaves.
Affinities. These are not at all made out. In consequence of the num-
ber of its cotyledons, Richard placed it near Coniferre, with which it seems to
have no kind of affinity. Decandolle urges its relation to Hippuris and Myrio-
phyllum, among Haloragea; from which it differs in its superior ovarium j and
he inquires whether Naias, which according to some is dicotyledonous, does
not belong to the same order. Can this family have any relation to Podoste-
meae ? Agardh places it among Fluviales.
Geography. Found in ditches in Europe.
Properties. Unknown.
Example. Ceratophyllum.
175
2. MONOPETALOUS PLANTS.
The character by which this division of Dicotyledons is distinguished from the
last (p. 2,), is the cohesion of the edges of the petals into a tube ; whence the
name Monopetalous, the petals forming together a single floral envelope. Ge-
nerally it is easy to recognise this character, and the orders thus distinguished
are individually perfectly natural ; but occasionally certain genera in Polype-
talous orders have flowers with a Monopetalous corolla, as in Crassulaceffi ;
these cases are, however, rare, and are to be considered exceptions to the rule.
For the most part, in Monopetalous plants belonging to Polypetalous orders,
the petals are readily separable from each other, which is not the case in
genuine Monopetalee ; but this is not always so. Apetalous exceptions are
exceedingly uncommon : Glaux, among Primulaceae, is a rare instance of
this.
Monopetalous orders approach those which are Polypetalous, Apetalous, or
Achlamydeous, at many points besides such as are adverted to at p. 2, espe-
cially by Ilicineae, which are nearly allied to Rhamneae.
LIST OF THE ORDERS.
166. Ilicineae.
167. Styraceae.
168. Belvisiaceae.
169. Sapoteae.
170. Ericeae.
171. Epacrideae.
172. Vaccinieae.
173. Pyrolaceaa.
174. Campanulaceaa.
175. Lobeliacese.
176. Goodenoviae.
177. Stylideae.
178. Scaevoleae.
179. Brunoniaceae.
180. Papayaceae.
181. Cucurbitaceae.
182. Plantagineae.
183. Plumbagineae.
184. Dipsaceae.
185. Valerianeae.
186. Compositae.
187. Calycereae.
188. Globularineae.
189. StellatK.
190. Cinchonaceae.
191. Caprifoliaceae.
192. Lorantheae.
193. Potaliaceas.
194. Loganiaceae.
195. Asclepiadea?.
196. Apocyneas.
197. Gentianeae.
198. Spigeliaceaa.
199. Convolvulaceae.
200. Polemoniaceae.
201. Hydroleaceae.
202. Ebenaceae.
203. Columelliaceae.
204. Jasmineae.
205. Oleaceae.
206. Myrsineae.
207. Primulaceae.
208. Lentibulariae.
209. Gesnereae.
210. Orobancheae.
211. Scrophularineae.
212. Rhinanthaceae.
213. Solaneae.
214. Acanthaceae.
215. Pedalineae.
216. Cyrtandraceae.
217. Bignoniaceae.
218. Myoporineae.
219. Selagineae.
220. Verbenaceae.
221. Labiatae.
222. Boragineae.
223. Heliotropiceae.
224. Ehretiaceae.
225. Cordiaceae.
226. Hydrophylleae.
CLXVI. ILICINEAE. The Holly Tribe.
Ilicin-eje, Ad. Brongniart Memoire sur les Rhamnccs, p. 16. (1826) ; Lindl. Synops. p. 73. (1829.)
Aciuifoliace.e, Dec. Thcorie, ed. 1. 217. (1813); a sect, of Celastrinese, lb. Prodr. 2. 11.
(1825) ; Martius H. R. Mon. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior 2-6-celled ovarium,
regular flowers, definite pendulous ovules, a 4-6-lobed corolla, with the sta-
mens equal to the number of its lobes, and albuminous seeds.
176
Anomalies. Flowers diclinous in Prinos and Nemopanthes.
Essential Characteh. — Petals 4 to 6, imbricated in estivation. Corolla 4- or 5-parted,
hopogynous, imbricated in estivation. Stamens inserted into the corolla, alternate with its
segments ; filaments erect; anthers adnate. Disk none. Ovarium fleshy, superior, some-
what truncate, with from 2 to 6 cells; ov ula solitary, pendulous from a cup-shaped funiculus ;
stigma subsessile, lobed. Fruit fleshy, indehiscent, with from 2 to 6 stones. Seed suspended
nearly sessile ; albumen large, fleshy; embryo small, 2-lobed, lying next the hilum, with mi-
nute cotyledons, and a superior radicle. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate or opposite,
coriaceous. Flowers small axillary, solitary or fascicled.
Affinities. Included in Rhamneas by most botanists, but well distin-
guished by Ad. Brongniart, who remarks that the suggestion of M. de Jussieu
in his Genera Plantarum, that Ilicinese ought probably to be placed among
Monopetalee, near Sapoteae or Ebenaceaa, will probably be adopted. From
Celastrineaa, with which they are combined in most modern works, they differ
in the form of their calyx and corolla, in the disposition and insertion of their
stamens, and especially in the structure of then ovarium and fruit. In these
respects they are found by M. Brongniart to agree so completely with Ebena-
cese, that that order does not, in fact, differ essentially from Ilicineae, except in
characters of a secondary order, such as the calyx and corolla less deeply di-
vided, the stamens often double the number of segments of the corolla, the
style being sometimes divided, the cells of the ovarium usually containing 2
collateral ovula, and finally in the cells of the fruit not becoming bony, as in
most Ilicineae. Von Martius places them near Polygalese.
Geography. Found in various parts of the world, especially in the West
Indies, South America, and the Cape of Good Hope. Several are found in
North America ; but 1, the common Holly, in Europe.
Properties. The bark and berries of Prinos verticillatus possess, in an
eminent degree, the properties of vegetable, astringent, and tonic medicines,
along with antiseptic powers which are highly spoken of by American practi-
tioners. Barton, I. 208. [Bigelow, 3. 141.] Prinos glaber and Ilex Para-
guensis are used as tea ; the latter yields the famous beverage called Mate in
Brazil. Myginda Gongonha is diuretic. Dec.
Examples. Ilex, Prinos.
CLXVII. STYRACE.E.
Styrace«, Rich. Anal, du Fr. (1808) ; Von Martius N. Gen. ct Sp. PI. 2. 148. (1R26).— Ebe-
naces, a%qf Styrac.ee, Dec. and Duby, 320. (1828). — Symplocine*, Don Prodr. tfep.
144. (1825.)— Styracin*, Rich, in Humb. K G.et Sp. 3. 256.(1818); Syno]7s. 2. 315.
(1823).— HalesiacejE, Don in Jameson's Jour. (Dec. 1828); Link Ilanb. 1. 607. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous, dicotyledons, with an inferior ovarium of seve-
ral cells, definite ovula, and alternate leaves.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx inferior or superior, with 5 divisions, persistent. Corolla
hypogynous, monopetalous, the number of its divisions frequently different from that of the
calyx; with imbricated estivation. Stamens definite or indefinite, arising from the tube of the
corolla, of unequal length, cohering in various ways, but generally in a slight degree only ;
anthers innate, 2-cellcd, bursting inwardly. Ovarium superior, or adhering to the calyx, with
from 3 to 5 cells ; ovules definite, the upper persistent, the lower pendulous, or vice versa ; style
simple ; stigma somewhat capitate. Fruit drupaceous, surmounted by or enclosed in the ca-
lyx, with from 1 to 5 cells. Seeds ascending or suspended, solitary, with the embryo lying in
the midst of the albumen ; radicle long, directed towards the hilum ; cotyledons fiat, foliaceoug.
177
- '1 rees or shrubs. L*eaces alternate, without stipulu', usually toothed, turning- yellow in dry-
ing' ; Mowers axillary, either solitary or clustered, with scale-like bracteie. The hairs often
stellate.
Affinities. The plants comprehended under this name require a careful
examination and settlement. They have been at one time combined with Ebe-
naceae, or divided into the two orders of Styraceee and Symplocaces, from both
which Halesiacere have been again separated by Don and Link. From Ericea;
they differ in habit, in the definite number of their seeds, and their inferior ova-
rium ; from Ebenacea in the latter character, in the perigynous insertion of the
stamens, in the peculiar circumstance of part of the ovules being erect and
part inverted, and in the style being simple. Von Martius considers Styraceae
as gamopetalous rather than monopetalous ; but what is the real difference in
the meaning of these two words ? Mr. Don says that Halesiacea? are a group
widely different from Styracece. Jameson's Journ. 1828. Dec. The genus
Symplocos is rather different in habit from Sty rax and Halesia, turning yellow
in drying. Jussieu refers Styrax to Meliacere, with which family the order
has no doubt much affinity. Decandolle considers them nearly akin to Tern-
strcemiacea?. Essai Medic. 203.
Geography. Found in North and South America within and without the
tropics, and in tropical Asia and China.
Properties. Some of the genus Symplocos are used in dying yellow ;
others, as Alstonia theiformis, are employed as tea, on account of a slight as-
tringency in their leaves. Storax and Benzoin, two fragrant gum-resins, com-
posed of resin, benzoic acid, and a peculiar aromatic principle, are the produce
of two species of Styrax.
Examples. Styrax, Halesia, Symplocos.
CLXVIII BELVISIACEiE.
BEi.visiE.fi, /?. Brown, in Linn. Trans. 13. 222. (1820.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with an inferior ovarium, a plaited
inany-lobed corolla, alternate leaves, and indefinite ovula.
Anomalies. Unknown.
Essential Character.— Calyx of 1 piece, persistent, with a divided limb. Corolla? mo-
nopetalous, plaited, (many-lobed or undivided, simple or double), deciduous. Stamens either
definite or indefinite, arising from the base of the corolla. Ovarium inferior ; style 1 ; stigma
lobed or angular. Fruit berried, many-seeded. Shrubs. Leaves alternate, entire, without
stipula;. Flowers axillary or lateral, solitary. R. Br.
Affinities. Little is known of this obscure family, except that it is not re-
ferable to any order at present established. In fixing it near Styracea*, it can
only be said to resemble that order as much as any other.
Geography. African shrubs or trees.
Properties. Unknown.
Example. Belvisia.
33
178
CLXIX SAPOTEiE. The Sappodilla Tribe.
Sapotje, Jusb. Gen. 151. (1789).— Sapoteje, R. Brown Prodr. 258. (1810.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior several- ceiled ova-
rium, regular flowers, definite erect ovules, an imbricated corolla, with seeds
having- a bony seed-coat and a large scar occupying the whole of one of their
sides.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers rnonoclinous. Calyx divided, regular, persistent.
Corolla monopetalous, hypogynous, regular, deciduous, its segments usually equal in number
to those of the calyx, seldom twice or thrice as many. Stamens arising from the corolla,
definite, distinct, the fertile ones equal in number to the segments of the calyx, and opposite
those segments of the corolla which alternate with the latter, seldom more. Anthers usually
turned outwards ; the sterile stamens as numerous as the fertile ones, with which they alter-
nate, sometimes absent. Ovarium 1, with several cells, in each of which is 1 erect ovulum.
Style 1. Stigma undivided, occasionally lobed. Fruit baccate with several 1-seeded cells, or
by abortion with only 1. Seeds nut-like, sometimes cohering into a several-celled putamen.
Testa bony, shining, its inner face opaque and softer than the rest. Embryo erect, large,
white, usually enclosed in fleshy albumen. Cotyledons, when albumen is present, foliaceous;
when absent, fleshy and sometimes connate. Radicle short, straight, or a little curved, turned
towards the hilum. Plumula inconspicuous. — Trees ar shrubs, chiefly natives of the tropics,
and abounding in milky juice. Leaves alternate, without stipula;, entire, coriaceous. Inflo-
rescence axillary.
Affinities. This order is certainly near Ebenaceae, with which it agrees
in habit, arborescent stem, alternate entire leaves, and axillary inflorescence ;
and moreover in its monopetalous regular hypogynous corolla, the absence of
a hypogynous disk, an ovarium with several cells, and definite ovules and
stamens. They, however, differ in several points. Sapotere have usually a
milky juice, and therefore their wood is among the softer kinds ; their flowers
are always rnonoclinous, the segments of the calyx and corolla are often
placed in a double row ; their stamens are always in a single row, the fertile
ones rarely more numerous than the segments of the calyx, and opposite the
divisions of the corolla ; their style is undivided ; the cells of the ovarium are
always 1-seeded, with erect ovules ; the testa is thick and bony ; the embryo
is large with respect to the fleshy albumen, which is sometimes deficient ; the
radicle is very short, and inferior. In Ebenaceae there is no milk, and the
wood is very hard ; the flowers are usually diclinous, the segments of the
calyx and corolla are almost always in a single row ; the stamens are usually
doubled, and either twice or four times as numerous as the segments of the
corolla, or, if equal to them, alternate with them; the style is generally
divided, the cells of the ovarium sometimes 2-seeded, the ovules always pen-
dulous, the testa thin and soft, the embryo middle-sized or small in respect to
the cartilaginous albumen, which is always present ; the radicle is of middling
length, or very long and superior. It. Brown Prodr. 529. It is worth
remarking, that the woody shell of the seed of Sapotea; is certainly testa, and
not putamen, as is proved by the presence of the micropyle upon it.
Geography. Chiefly natives of the tropics of India, Africa, and America;
a few are found in the southern parts of North America, and at the Cape of
Good Hope.
Properties. The fruit of many is esteemed in their native countries as an
article of the dessert : such are the Sappodilla Plum, the Star Apple, the
Medlar of Surinam, the Mimusops Elengi, and others ; they are described as
having generally a sweet taste, with a little acidity. The seeds of Achras
Sapota are aperient and diuretic ; those of some others are filled with a con-
crete oil, which is used for domestic purposes. A kind of thick oil, like butter,
179
is obtained from the fruit of Bassm butyracea, the Mahva or Madhuca Tree.
The flowers of the same tree are emploj^ed extensively in the distillation of a
kind of arrack. Ed. P. J. 12. 192. The juice of the bark of Bassia longi-
folia is prescribed by the Indian doctors in rheumatic affections. Ainslie, 2.
100. The Butter Tree of Mungp Park was also a species of Bassia. The
bark of 4 species of Achras is so astringent and febrifugal as to have been
substituted for quinquina. The Cow Tree of Humboldt has been sometimes
supposed to be referable to this order ; but there seems no reason now to doubt
its belonging to Artoearpeae. The Tingi da Praya of Brazil, with which the
Indians destroy fish, is the Jacquinia obovata. The branches are bruised and
thrown into the water. It must not be confounded with another fish poison,
called Tingi only, which is a species of Paullinia. Pr. .Max. Trav. 166.
Examples. Achras, Mimusops.
CLXX. ERICEiE. The Heath Tribe
Eric*, Juss. Gen. 150. (1789.)— Ericeje, R. Brmcn Prodr. 557. (1810); IAndl. Synops. 172.
(1829.)— Rhododendra, Juss. Gen. 158. (1789.)— Ericin-eje, Desv.Journ. Bot. 28. (1813.)
— Rhodorace^e and Ericace.s:, Dec. Fl. Fr. 3. 671. and 675. (1815.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous shrubby dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a
superior many-seeded ovarium, a single style, 2-celled dry anthers with appen-
dages, apterous seeds, and embryo in the axis of albumen.
Anomalies. Azalea, Rhododendron, &c, having an irregular corolla, but
their stamens are symmetrical. The petals of Ledum scarcely cohere. In
Arctostaphylos the seeds are definite. There is a species of Erica with broad
winged seeds, according to Mr. Brown.
Essential Character. — Calyx 4- or 5-cleft, nearly equal, inferior, persistent. Corolla
hypogynous, monopetalous, 4- or 5-cleft, occasionally separable into 4 or 5 pieces, regular or
irregular, often withering, with an imbricated aestivation. Stamens definite, equal in num-
ber to the segments of the corolla, or twice as many, hypogynous, or inserted into the base of
the corolla ; anthers 2-celled, the cells hard and dry, separate either at the apex or base, where
they are furnished with some kind of appendage, and dehiscing by a pore or cleft. Ovarium
surrounded at the base by a disk, or secreting scales, many-celled, many-seeded ; style 1,
straight; stigma 1, undivided or toothed. Fruit capsular, many-celled, with central pla-
centa? ; dehiscence various. Seeds indefinite, minute ; testa firmly adhering to the nucleus ;
embryo cylindrical, in the axis of fleshy albumen ; radicle opposite the hilum. — Shrubs or
tinder-shrubs, heaves evergreen, rigid, entire, whorled, or opposite, without stipula;. Inflo-
rescence variable, the pedicels generally bracteate.
Affinities. Formerly separated into two by Jussieu, who distinguished
Ericece and Rhodoracese by the dehiscence of their capsule ; a character
which is not now esteemed of ordinal importance, and which is consequently
abandoned. They differ from Vaccinieae and Campanulacere in their superior
ovarium, from Epacridece in the structure of their anthers, from Pyrolacese in
the structure of their seeds and in habit, and from all the orders of which Scro-
phularineae and Gentianea? may be considered the representatives, in the num-
ber of cells of the ovarium agreeing with the lobes of the calyx and corolla.
Geography. Most abundant at the Cape of Good Hope, where immense
tracts are covered with them ; common in Europe and North and South
America, both within and without the tropics ; less common in northern Asia
and India, and almost unknown in Australasia, where their place is supplied
by Epacrideae.
180
Properties. Their general qualities are, to be astringent and diuretic ;
Azalea procumbens, Rhododendron ferrugineum and chrysanthemum, and
Ledum palustre, being examples of the former, and Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi
of the latter. This, Decandolle observes, has been confounded with Vacci-
nium Vitis Idea by some practitioners, but most improperly, the chemical
composition of the two plants being extremely different. See Essai M.ed.
194. An infusion of the leaves of Uva Ursi has been employed with success
in cases of gonorrhoea of long standing. Ibid. [Bigelow 1. 66.] The berries
of the succulent- fruited kinds are usually grateful, and sometimes used as food.
Gaultheria procumbens and Shallon, Arctostaphylos alpina, and Bross»a
coccinea, are examples of this. In the island of Corsica an agreeable wine
is said to be prepared from the berries of Arbutus Unedo. Ed. P. J. 2. 199.
Gaultheria procumbens possesses stimulating and anodyne properties. In
North America an infusion of it is used as tea. Barton, 1. 178. An infusion
of the berries in brandy is taken in small quantities, in the same way as com-
mon bitters. Ibid. [Bigeloiv, 2. 27.] The fruit of Arbutus Unedo, taken
in too great quantity, is said to be narcotic, and a similar quality no doubt exists
in several other plants of the order ; Ledum palustre renders beer heady, when
used in the manufacture of that beverage ; Rhododendron ponticum and maxi-
mum, Kalmia latifblia, and some others, are well known to be venomous.
The honey which poisoned some of the soldiers in the retreat of the ten
thousand "through Pontus was gathered by bees from the flowers of Azalea
pontica. The shoots of Andromeda ovalifolia poison goats in Nipal. Don
Prodr. 149. It is stated by Dr. Horsfield that a very volatile heating oil,
with a peculiar odour, used by the Javanese in rheumatic affections, is obtained
from a species of Andromeda. Jlinslie, 2. 107.
Examples. Erica, Andromeda, Ledum, Rhododendron, Azalea.
CLXXI. EPACRIDEiE.
Epacrideje, R. Brown Prodr. 535. (1810) ; Link Handb. 1. 601. (1829), a%of Ericese.
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
several-celled ovarium, an imbricated corolla, a single style, and dry 1 -celled
anthers.
Anomalies. Monotoca has but 1 cell in the ovarium.
Essential Chabacteb. — Calyx 5- parted (very seldom 4-parted), often coloured, persistent.
Corolla hyposrynoua, monopetalous, either deciduous or withering-, sometimes capable of be-
ing separated into 5 pieces, its limb with 5 (rarely 4) equal divisions, sometimes, in consequence
of the cohesion of Hie segments, bursting- transversely; the aestivation valvular or imbrica-
ted. Stamens equal in number to the segments of the corolla, and alternate with them ; very
seldom fewer in number. Filaments arising- froms the corolla, or hypogynous. Anthers simple,
with asinglc receptacle of pollen, which formsa complete partition sometimes having aborder;
undivided, opening longitudinally. Pollen either nearly round or formed of 3 connate grains.
Ovarium sessile, usually surrounded at the base with 5 distinct or connate scales; with seve-
ral, rarely a single, cell ; ovules solitary or indefinite ; style 1 ; stigma simple, or occasionally
toothed. Fruit drupaceous, baccate, or capsular. Seeds with albumen. Embryo taper,
straight, in the axis, more than half as long as the albumen. — Shrubs or small trees, their hair,
when present, being simple. Leaves alternate, very rarely opposite, entire or occasionally ser-
rated, usually stalked; their bases sometimes dilated, cucullate, overlapping each other and
half sheathing the stem. Flowers white or purple, seldom blue, either in spikes or terminal
racemes, or solitary and axillary ; the calyx or pedicels with 2 or several bractea?, which ate
usually of the same texture as the calyx.
Affinities. This order differs from Ericere solely in the structure of the
anther ; but that organ being one of the principal features of Ericere, any
181
material deviation from it acquires a peculiar degree of consequence. In Eri-
ceae the anther consists of 2 cells, usually furnished with peculiar appendages ;
in Epacrideae it is simply 1 -celled, with no appendages whatever. The
order is remarkable for containing species with both definite and indefinite
seeds.
Geography. All natives of Australasia or Polynesia, where they abound
as Heaths at the Cape of Good Hope. It is remarkable that only 1 or 2 of
the Heath tribe are found in the countries occupied by Epacridese.
Properties. The fruit of Lissanthc sapida, called the Australian cranber-
ry, is eatable. Chiefly remarkable for the great beauty of the flowers of many
species.
Examples. Epacris, Styphelia, Leucopogon, Sprengelia.
CLXXII. VACCINIE.E. The Bilberry Tribe.
Vaccinie-k, Dec. Theor. Elem. 216. (1813); Dec. and Duby, 315. (1818); Lindl. Synops. 134.
(1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with an inferior ovarium, a regular
corolla, succulent fruit, indefinite ovules, alternate leaves, and calcarate an-
thers.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, entire, or with from 4 to 6 lobes. Corolla mono-
petalous, lobed as often as the calyx. Stamens distinct, double the number of the lobes of the
corolla, inserted into an epigynous disk ; anthers with 2 horns and 2 cells. Ovarium inferior,
4- or 5-oelled, many-seeded ; style simple ; stigma simple. Berry crowned by the persistent
limb of the calyx, succulent, 4- or &-celled, many-seeded. Seeds minute; embryo straight in
the axis of a fleshy albumen ; cotyledons very short ; radicle long, inferior. — Sfn~ubs, with alter-
nate coriaceous leaves.
Affinities. Formerly combined with Ericese, from which it differs in its
inferior ovarium and succulent fruit. It is confounded by Achille Richard with
Escalloniese, which are essentially distinguished by their flowers being polype-
talous and the anthers bursting lengthwise. Myrtacese are obviously separated
by being polypetalous, by the leaves being opposite and marked with transpa-
rent dots, &c.
Geography. Natives of North America, where they are found in great
abundance as far as high northern latitudes ; sparingly in Europe ; and not un-
commonly on high land in the Sandwich Islands.
Properties. Much the same as those of Ericese ; their bark and leaves
are astringent, slightly tonic, and stimulating. The berries of many are eaten,
under the names of Cranberry, Bilberry, Whortleberry, &c. All the species
are choice subjects of the gardener's care.
Examples. Vaccinium, Oxycoccus.
182
CLXXII PYROLACE.E The Winter Green Tribe
Pyrolejb, Lindl. Coll. Bot.t. 5. (1S2I) ; Synops. 175. (1829.)— Monotropeje, Nutt. Gen. 1.272.
(1818); Dec. and Duby, 319. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
many-seeded ovarium, a single declinate style, 2-celled dry anthers with appen-
dages, winged seeds, and a minute inverted embryo in fleshy albumen.
Anomalies. The style is not always declinate. There is a shrubby spe-
cies of Pyrola.
Essential Character. — Calyx 5-leaved, persistent, inferior. Corolla monopetalous, hypo-
gynous, regular, deciduous, 4- or 5-toothed, with an imbricated {estivation. Stamens hypogy-
nous, twice as numerous as the divisions of the corolla; anthers 2-celled, opening longitudi-
nally, and furnished with appendages at the base. Ovarium superior, 4- or 5-cellcd, many-
seeded, with a hypogynous disk ; style 1, straight or declinate ; stigma simple. Fruit capsu-
lar, 4- or 5-celled, dehiscent, with central placentae. Seeds indefinite, minute, winged ; embryo
minute, inverted, at the extremity of a fleshy albumen. Herbaceous plants, rarely imder-shrubs,
sometimes parasitical and leafless. Stems round, covered with scales ; in the frutescent spe-
cies leafy. Leaves either wanting or simple, entire or toothed. Flowers in terminal racemes,
rarely solitary.
Affinities. However different the tribes of Ericere and Orobanchese may
seem, they are completely connected with this, which, with the regular corolla,
having a slight tendency to irregularity in its declinate style, the 5 cells,
and hypogynous dry spurred anthers of the former, combine the habit and pe-
culiar structure of seed of the latter. They are known from Ericere by'their
winged seeds, minute embryo, often declinate style, and herbaceous often leaf-
less habit. The latter character will not, however, alone point out the order ;
nor is it even universal in particular genera ; for Pyrola itself, which has visually
round bright green leaves, contains a species destitute of leaves, and having
the habit of Pterospora.
Geography. Natives of Europe, North America, and the northern parts
of Asia, in fir woods, or in similar situations.
Properties. Chimaphila umbellata is a most active diuretic ; it is also
found to possess valuable tonic properties. The leaves, applied to the skin,
act as slight vesicatories. It is remarkable enough that C. maculata, a very
closely allied species, should be asserted by American practitioners to be wholly
inert. See Barton, 1. 28. [Bigeloiv, 2. 15.]
Examples. Pyrola, Chimaphila, Monotropa, Pterospora, Schweinitzia.
CLXXIV. CAMPANULACEiE. The Campanula Tribe.
Campanula, Juss. Gen. 163. (1789) inpart.— Campanulace*, R. Brown Prodr. 559. (1810) ;
Lindl. Synops. 135. (1829.)— Campanuleje, Alph. Dec. Monogr. (1830.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous milky dicotyledons, with an inferior ovarium,
a regular corolla, capsular fruit, indefinite ovules, alternate leaves, and round
pollen.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, usually 5-lobed (3-8), persistent. Corolla mono-
petalous, inserted into the top of the calyx, usually 5-lobed (3-8), withering on the fruit, regular.
^Estivation valvate. Stamens inserted into the calyx alternately with the lobes of the corolla,
to which they arc equal in number. Anthers 2-celled, distinct! Pollen spherical. Ovarium
183
Inferior, with 'I or more polyspei mous cells opposite the stamens, or alternate with them j style
simple, covered with collecting hairs; stigma naked, simple, or with as many lobes as there
are cells. Fruit dry, crowned by the withered calyx and corolla, dehiscing by lateral irregu-
lar apertures or by valves at the apex, always loculicidal. Seeds numerous, attached to a pla-
centa in the axis ; embryo straight, in the axis of fleshy albumen ; radicle inferior. — Herbaceous
plants or wider-shrubs, yielding a white milk. Leaves almost always alternate, simple, or
deeply divided, without stipula?. Flowera single, in racemes, spikes, or panicles, or in heads,
usually blue or white, very rarely yellow.
Affinities. While this work was going through the press, an excellent
Monograph of the present order reached me from M. Alphonse Decandolle. I
gladly avail myself of the valuable remarks of this skilful botanist in explain-
ing the affinities of Campanulacese. He considers that they differ from Lobe-
liacese chiefly in their regular corolla, their stamens being almost always dis-
tinct, their pollen spherical (not oval), their stigmas generally long, and velvety
externally, in the abundance of collecting hairs on the style, and finally in their
capsules usually opening laterally. " It is not only in the form," he proceeds,
"but also in the number of the parts, that the flower of Campanulacese is more
regular than that of Lobeliacese. Thus, in several Campanulas the cells of
the ovarium are equal in number to the stamens and the divisions of the corolla
and calyx, which points out the natural symmetry of the flower. In the Lo-
belias abortion is more frequent. In both groups the innermost organs are
abortive more frequently than the outermost. Thus, the number of cells is
often smaller (never greater) than that of the stamens ; the number of stamens
is sometimes smaller (but never larger) than that of the lobes of the corolla ;
and the same is true of the lobes of the corolla with respect to the calyx.-
Finally, LobeliaceBe have sometimes a corolla of a fine bright led, a colour un-
known among Campanulas ; nine-tenths of the species of the latter have blue
flowers ; and those in which the colour varies, and into which a little red enters
(as Canarina), are far from having the brilliancy of Lobelia cardinalis for in-
stance. After Lobeliacese, the natural groups with which Campanulacese
have the most relation are, no doubt, Goodenovise and Stylidiese, which formed
part of the Campanulacese of M. de Jussieu. The regular corolla of Cam-
panulacea? distinguishes them, at first sight, from both those groups, as well as
from Lobeliacere. Besides, Campanulas have not the fringed indusium which
terminates the style of Goodenovise, and surrounds their stigma. Although
this organization approaches that of Lobeliacese, and so Campanulacese, it is
not less true that it affords an important mark of distinction, and that it is con-
nected with essential differences in the mode of fecundation. Mr. Brown has
also remarked, that the corolla of Goodenovise is sometimes polypetalous, which
it never is in Campanulaceae or Lobeliaeeee ; that the sestivation of their corolla
is duplicate, not valvate ; that its principal veins are lateral, or alternate with
the lobes, as in Compositse ; that in the species of Goodenovise with dehiscent
fruit, the dehiscence is usually septicidal, while in the two other groups it is
always loculicidal ; finally, that Goodenovise have not the milky juice that
characterizes Campanulacese and Lobeliacae." Notwithstanding their poly-
spermous fruit and different inflorescence, these approach very closely to Com-
posites ; their milky juice is the same as that of Cichoracese ; their species
have, in many cases, the flowers crowded in heads ; their stigma is similar to
that of many Compositse ; they have the same collecting hairs on the style, in
both cases intended to clear out the pollen from the cells of the anthers ; and,
finally, their habit is very like.
Geography. Chiefly natives of the north of Asia, Europe, and North
America, and scarcely known in the hot regions of the world. In the mea-
dows, fields, and forests of the countries they inhabit, they constitute the most
striking ornament. Some curious species are found in the Canaries, St. Helena,
and Juan Fernandez. M. Alphonse Decandolle remarks, that " it is within.
184
the 36° and 47° N. lat. that in our hemisphere the greatest number of species
is found ; the chain of the Alps, Italy, Greece, Caucasus, the Altai range, are
their true country. In whatever direction we leave these limits, the number
of species rapidly decreases. In the southern hemisphere, the Cape of Good
Hope (lat. 34° S.) is another centre of habitation, containing not fewer than 63
species. This locality has a climate so different from that of our mountains,
that it may be easily imagined that the species capable of living there differ
materially from those of our own hemisphere : in fact, they belong to other
genera." Of 300 species, only 19 are found within the tropics.
Properties. The milky juice is rather acrid, but nevertheless the roots
and young shoots of some, particularly of Campanula Rapunculus, or Ram-
pion, of Phyteuma spicata, of Canarina Campanula, &c, are an occasional
article of food. The chief value of the order, however, is its beauty.
Examples. Campanula, Wahlenbergia.
CLXXV. LOBELIACEiE.
Campanulaceje, § 2. R. Brown Prodr. 562. (1810).— Lobeliace*, Juss. Ann. Mus. 18. 1.
(1811) ; Dec. and Duby, 310. (1828) ; Lindl. Synops. 137. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous milky dicotyledons, with an inferior ovarium, an
irregular corolla, syngenesious stamens, indefinite ovula, alternate leaves and
oval pollen.
Anomalies. Clintonia has a triangular 1-celled ovarium, with 2 parietal
placentae. Some have 5 petals. One species of Lobelia is dioecious.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, 5-lobed, or entire. Corolla monopetalous, ir-
regular, inserted in the calyx, 5-lobcd, or deeply 5-cleft. Stamens 5, inserted into the calyx al-
ter nately with the lobes of the corolla; anthers cohering; pollen oval. Ovarium inferior,
with from 1 to 3 cells ; ovula very numerous, attached either to the axis or the lining; style
simple ; stigma surrounded by a cup-like fringe. Fruit capsular, 1- or more-celled, many-
seeded, dehiscing at the apex. Seeds attached either to the lining or the axis of the pericar-
pium ; embryo straight, in the axis of fleshy albumen ; radicle pointing to the hilum. — Herba-
ceous plants or skrubs. Leaves alternate, without stipula;. Flowers axillary or terminal.
Affinities. Yet more nearly related to Composite even than Campanula-
cere, especially in their cohering anthers and in the irregularity of their corolla,
which consists in its being split, so that the segments cohere towards one side
just like the 5 segments that make up the ligulate floret of a Composita. The
stigma is surrounded by hairs, which are properly analogous to the indusium of
Goodenovia:, to which order Lobehaceaj approach closely. Of course they par-
ticipate in any and all the affinities of Campanulaceae. M. Alphonse Decan-
dolle criticises, with much justice, the character assigned to Lobeliacere in my
Synopsis of the British Flora , particularly in regard to the cup or fringe as-
signed to their stigma : this was a misprint for cup-like. He is also, perhaps,
right in considering Jasione more properly a Campanulaceous than a Lobelia-
ceous plant. The genus, however, seems to me to stand upon the limit be-
tween the two orders.
Geography. Unlike Campanulacea?, these seem to prefer countries within
or upon the border of the tropics to such as have a colder character. We find
them abounding in the West Indies, Brazil, the Cape of Good Hope, and the
Sandwich Islands ; they are not uncommon in Chile, and New Holland.
Properties. All dangerous or suspicious, in consequence of the excessive
acridity of their milk. Lobelia tupa yields a dangerous poison in Chile. The
185
most active article of the North American Materia Jltfedica is said to be the Lo-
belia inflata ; it is possessed of an emetic, sudorific, and powerful expectorant
effect, especially the first. When given with a view to empty the stomach, it
operates vehemently and speedily ; producing, however, great relaxation, de-
bility, and perspiration, and even death, if given in over-doses. Barton, 1. 189.
[Bigelow 1. 177.] The anti*yphilitic virtues ascribed to Lobelia syphilitica
are supposed to have resided in its diuretic property ; they arc, however, gene-
rally discredited altogether. Ibid. 2. 211. Lobelia longiflora, a native of some
of the West India Islands, is one of the most venomous of plants. The Spanish
Americans call it Rebenta Cavallos, because it proves fatal to horses that eat it,
swelling them until they burst . Taken internally, it acts as a violent cathar
tic, the effects of which no remedy can assuage, and which end in death. The
leaves are an active vesicatory. Lobelia cardinalis is an acrid plant which
is reckoned an anthelmintic. Ibid. 2. 180.
Examples. Lobelia, Isotoma.
CLXXVT. GOODENOVIiE.
Campanula, Juss. Gen. 163. (1789) in part.— Goodenovi-e, K. Brown Prodr. 573, (1810).
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a 2-4-celled inferior ovarium,
an indusiate stigma, and indefinite seeds.
Anomalies. This order offers the singular anomaly of genera having, at
the same time, an inferior calyx and a superior corolla ; a circumstance which,
it has been well observed by Mr. Brown, points out the real origin of both or-
gans.
Essential Character. — Calyx usually superior, rarely inferior, equal or unequal, in from
3 to 5 divisions. Corolla always more or less superior, monopetalous, more or less irregular,
withering ; its lube split at the back, and sometimes capable of being separated into 5 pieces,
when the calyx only coheres with the base of the ovarium ; its//m6 5-parted, with 1 or 2 lips,
the edges of the segments being thinner than the middle, and folded inwards in aestivation.
StaTiiens 5, distinct, alternate with the -.annuls of the corolla ; anthers distinct or cohering,
2-celled, bursting longitudinally. Pollen simple or compound. Ovarium 2-celled, rarely
4-celled, with indefinite ovules, having sometimes a gland at its base between the 2 anterior
filaments; style 1, simple, very rarely divided; sti&ma fleshy, undivided, or 2-lobed, sur-
rounded by a membranous cup. Fruit a 2- or 4-celled capsule with many seeds, attached
to the axis of the dissepiment, which is usually parallel with the valves, rarely oppo-
site to them. Seeds usually with a thickened testa, which is sometimes nut-like \ albumen
fleshy, enclosing an erect embryo; cotyledons toliaceous ; plumula inconspicuous. Herba-
ceous plants, rarely shrubs; without milk, with simple or glandular hairs, if any are present.
Leaves scattered, often lobed, without stipula;. Inflorescence terminal, variable, flowers
distinct, never capitate, usually yellow, or blue, or pink.
Affinities. The strict relation of these to Campanulaceae and Lobeliaceae
cannot be doubted, from which they differ in the aestivation of the flower, and
in the peculiar indusium of the stigma, a trace of which is to be found in Lo-
beliacese, and which exists in a remarkable degree in Brunoniaceas. Scaevoleae
differ only in their definite seeds. Upon the nature of the indusium of the stig-
ma Mr. Brown makes the following observations.
" Is this remarkable covering of the stigma in these families merely a pro-
cess of the apex of the style % or is it a part of distinct origin, though inti-
mately cohering with the pistillum 1 On the latter supposition, may it not be
considered as analogous to the glandular disk surrounding or crowning the
ovarium in many other families ? And, in adoptinc the hypothesis I have for-
34
186
merly advanced respecting the nature of this disk in certain families, — namely,
that it is composed of a series of modified stamina, — has not the part in ques-
tion a considerable resemblance, in apparent origin and division, to the stamina,
of the nearly-related family Stylideae % To render this supposition somewhat
less paradoxical, let the comparison be made especially between the indusium
of Brunonia and the imperfect anthers in the pistilliferous flowers of Forstera.
Lastly, connected with this view, it becomes of importance to ascertain whether
the stamina in Stylidese are opposite to the segments of calyx or of corolla. The
latter disposition would be in favour of the hypothesis. This, however, is a point
which will not be very easily determined, the stamina being lateral. In the
mean time, the existence and division of the corona faucis in Stylidium render it
not altogether improbable that they are opposite to the segments of the corolla."
R. Brown in Lin. Trans. 12. 134. I am rather inclined to consider the indu-
sium analogous to the collecting hairs of Campanulacese. Tn these they oc-
cupy the surface of the greater part of the style ; in Lobelia they are ar-
ranged in a whorl, forming a cup-like fringe ; and in Goodenoviae the hairs,
being still whorled, are consolidated into a uniform substance by their mutual
cohesion.
Geography. Natives of New Holland, and other islands of the South Pa-
cific Ocean.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Goodenia, Velleia, Leschenaultia,
CLXXVII. STYLIDlEiE
Stylideje, R. Brown Prodr. 565. (1810.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous gynandrous dicotyledons.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Calyx superior, with from 2 to 6 divisions, bilabiate or regular,
persistent. Corolla monopetalous, falling- offlate ; its limb irregular, rarely regular, with from
5 to 6 divisions, imbricated in aestivation. Stamens 2 ; filaments connate with the style into a
longitudinal column; anthers twin, sometimes simple, lying over the stigma ; pollen globose,
simple, sometimes angular. Ovarium 2-celled, many-seeded, sometimes 1-cellcd, in conse-
quence of the contraction of the dissepiment, often surmounted with a single gland in front, or
two opposite ones ; style, 1 ; stigma entire or bifid. Capsule with 2 valves and 2 cells, the dis-
sepiment between which being- sometimes either contracted or separable from the inflexed mar-
gins of the valves, the capsule becomes as it were 1 -relied. Seeds small, erect, sometimes stalked,
attached to the axis of the dissepiment; embryo minute, enclosed within a fleshy, somewhat
oily albumen. — Herbaceous plants or binder-shrubs, w ithout milk, having a stern or scape, their
hair, where they have any, simple, acute, or headed with a gland. Leaves scattered, some-
times whorled, entire, their margins naked or ciliated, the radical ones clustered in the species
with scapes. Flowers in spikes, racemes, or corymbs, or solitary ; terminal, rarely axillary,
the pedicels usually with three bracteae.
Affinities. Nearly allied both to Cainpanulaceee and Goodenoviae, from
both of which they are distinguished by their gynandrous stamens, and from
the latter by the want of an indusium to the stigma. The structure of the
organs of fructification is highly curious ; the stamens and style are closely
combined in a solid irritable column, at the top of which is a cavity, including
the stigma, and bounded by the anthers. A singular blunder was committed
by Labillardiere, who mistook the epigynous gland for the stigma ; and another
by L. C. Richard, who considered the labellum to be the pistilliferous organ.
187
Geography. Chiefly found in New Holland. Species have been disco
vered both in Ceylon and the South Sea Islands.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Stylidium, Forstera.
CLXXVIII. SCiEVOLEiE.
GoodenovijE, § Scsevolese, R. Brown Prodr. 582. (1810.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a 1-4-celled inferior ovarium,
an indusiate stigma, and definite erect seeds.
Anomalies. A Molucca species of Scaevola exists, with opposite leaves.
R. Br.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, equal or unequal, in 5 divisions, sometimes
obsolete. Corolla superior, monopetalous, more or less irregular, withering-, or deciduous ;
its tube split at the back ; its limb 5-parted, with 1 or 2 lips, the edges of the segments being-
thinner than the middle, and folded inwards in activation. Stamens 5, distinct, alternate with
the segments of the corolla ; anthers distinct or cohering-, 2-celled, bursting- longitudinally ;
pollen simple. Ovarium 1- 2- or 4-celled, with 1, seldom 2, erect ovula in each cell ; style 1,
simple; stigma fleshy, surrounded by a membranous cup. Fruit inferior, indehiscent, dru-
paceous, or nut-like. Seeds with a thickened testa; albumen fleshy, enclosing an erect em-
bryo; cotyledons foliaceous ; plumula. inconspicuous. — Herbaceous plants or sft.ru 6s, without
milk, with simple or stellate hairs, if any are present. Leaves scattered, undivided, without
stipule. Inflorescence axillary or terminal. Mowers distinct, never capitate, white, blue, or
yellowish.
Affinities. Combined, on account of their indusiate stigmas, by Mr.
Brown, with Goodenovia and Brunoniaceee, from the former of which they
differ in habit, indehiscent fruit, and definite seeds ; from the latter, in their in-
ferior ovarium and habit.
Geography. Natives of the South Seas and the islands of the Indian
archipelago. The species are abundant in New Holland,
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Scaevola, Diaspasis, Dampiera.
CLXXIX. BRUNONIACEvE.
Goodenovia, § 2. R. Brown Prodr. 589. (1810.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
entire ovarium, a single erect ovulum, capitate flowers, and a stigma with an
indusium.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Calyx inferior, in 5 divisions, with 4 bractese at the base. Corolla
monopetalous, almost regular, 5-parted, inferior, withering. Stamens definite, hypogynous,
alternate with the segments of the corolla ; anthers collateral, slightly cohering. Ovarium
1-celled, with a single erect ovulum ; style single ; stigma enclosed in a 2-valved cup. Fruit
a membranous utricle enclosed within the indurated tube 6f the calyx. Seed solitary, erect,
without albumen ; embryo with plano-convex fleshy cotyledons, and a minute inferior radicle.
— Herbaceous plants, without stems, and simple glandless hairs. Leaves radical, entire, with
no stipulse. Flowers collected in heads, surrounded by enlarged bracteaj, blue.
188
Affinities. Placed hy Mr Brown as a section of Goodenoviae, from which
they, in my judgment, differ essentially in their superior 1 -celled ovarium and
capitate flowers, thus approaching some species of Dipsaceae, from which they
differ in the want of an involucellum, their erect ovulum, superior ovarium, and
peculiar stigma. With reference to this, Mr. Brown says : " Brunonia agrees
with Goodenovire in the remarkable indusium of the stigma, in the structure
and connexion of the anthers, in the seed being erect, and essentially in the
aestivation of corolla. It differs from them in having both calyx and corolla
distinct from the ovarium, in the disposition of vessels in the corolla, in the fila-
ments being jointed at top, in the seed being without albumen, and in its re-
markable inflorescence, compatible, indeed, with the nature of the irregularity
in the corolla of Goodenoviae, but which can hardly co-exist with that charac-
terizing Lobeliaceoe. With Compositae it agrees essentially in inflorescence, in
the aestivation of corolla, in the remarkable joint or change of texture in the
apex of its filaments, and in the structure of the ovarium and seed. It differs from
them in having ovarium liberumorsuperum,in the want of a glandular disk, in the
immediately hypogy nous insertion of the filaments, in the indusion of the stigma,
and in the vascular structure of the corolla, whose tube has five nerves only,
and these continued through the axis of the laciniae, either terminating simply,
(as is at least frequently the case in Brunonia sericea,) or (as in B. australis)
dividing at top into two recurrent branches, forming lateral nerves, at first sight
resembling those of Compositae, but which hardly reach to the base of the la-
ciniae. It is a curious circumstance that Brunonia should so completely differ
from Compositae in the disposition of vessels of 'the corolla, while both orders
agree in the no less remarkable structure of the jointed filament; a character
which had been observed in a very few Compositae only, before the publication
of M. Cassini's second Dissertation, where it is proved to be nearly universal in
the order. In the opposite parietes of the ovarium of Brunonia two nerves or
vascular cords are observable, which are continued into the style, where they
become approximated and parallel. This structure, so nearly resembling that
of Composite, seems to strengthen the analogical argument in favour of the
hypothesis advanced in the present paper, of the compound nature of the pistil-
lum in that order, and of its type in phaenogamous plants generally; Brunonia
having an obvious and near affinity to Goodenoviae, in the greater part of whose
genera the ovarium has actually two cells with one or an indefinite number of
ovula in each ; while in a few genera of the same order, as Dampiera, Dias-
pasis, and certain species of Scaevola, it is equally reduced to one cell anda single
ovulum." R. Brown in Linn Trans. 12. 132. The habit of this order is very
much that of Globularineae.
Geography. Natives of New Holland
Properties. Unknown
Example. Brunonia
CLXXX PAPAYACU/i: The Papaw Tribe.
Papav.k, Agardh Classes. (1824).- Carkek, Thurpin in Atl.dit Diet, des Sc. Nat. (7)—
Papayaceje, Von Vlartius H. R M. (1829.)
Diagnosis Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular diclinous flowers, and
a superior 1-celled ovarium with 5 parietal placentae.
189
Essential Character. — Flowers diclinous. Calyx inferior, minute, 5-toothed. Corolla
monopetalous ; in the staminiferous tubular, with 5 lobes and lOstamens, all arising from the same
tine, and of which those that are opposite the lobes are sessile, the others on short filaments ;
anthers adnate, 2-celled, bursting longitudinally ; in the pistilliferous divided nearly to the base
into 5 segments. Ovarium superior] 1-cclled, with 5 parietal polyspermous placentae ; stigma
sessile, 5-lobcd, lacerated. Fruit succulent, indchisccnt, 1 -celled with 5 polyspermous parie.
tad placentae. Seeds enveloped in a loose mucous coat with a brittle pitted testa ; embryo in the
axis of fleshy albumen, with flat cotyledons and a taper radicle turned towards the hilum.
— Trees without branches, yielding an acrid milky juice. Leaves alternate, lobed, on long
taper petioles. Flowers in axillary racemes.
Affinities. It was the opinion of Jussieu that the genus upon which this
order is founded held a sort of middle station between Urticeae and Cucurbita-
cese. Auguste St. Hilaire has, however, well remarked upon this subject, that
the only relation that it has with the Urticeae consists in the separation of stamens
and pistils, its milky juice, its habit, which is like that of some species of Ficus,
its foliage, which is not very different from that of Cecropia, and the position of
its stigmas : and to these he wisely attaches very little importance. Its fruit
brings it near Cucurbitaceae ; but its true place is probably in the vicinity of Pas-
siflorea*, with which it altogether agrees in appearance of its testa, in its unilocu-
lar fruit with parietal polyspermous placenta1, and in its dichlamydeous flowers ;
differing, however, widely in its habit and monopetalous flowers.
Geography. Natives of South America ; unknown, except as objects of
cultivation, beyond that continent.
Properties. The fruit of the Papaw is eaten, when cooked, and is es-
teemed by some persons ; but it appears to have little to recommend it. Its
great peculiarities are, that the juice of the unripe fruit is a most powerful and
efficient vermifuge, the powder of the seed even answers the same purpose, and
that a principal constituent of this juice is fibrine, a principle otherwise sup-
posed peculiar to the animal kingdom and to fungi. The. tree has, moreover,
the singular property of rendering the toughest animal substances tender, by
causing a separation of the muscular fibre ; its very vapour even does this ;
newly killed meat suspended among the leaves, and even old hogs and old
poultry, becoming tender in a few hours, when fed on the leaves and fruit. See
an excellent account of the Papaw by Dr. Hooker, in the Bol. J\Iag. 2898.
.Example. Carica.
CLXXXI CUCURBIT ACEiE The Gourd Tribe.
Cucurbitaceje, Jusa. Gen. 393. (17S9); Aug. St. Ml. in Mem. Mus. 9.190-221.(1823); Dec.
Prodr. 3.297. (1S28) ; Line/!. Synops. 319. (1829).— Nandhirobeje, Aug. de Si. Hil. I. c.
(1823) ; Turpin Did. des Sc. Alias. (?)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with an inferior ovarium, parietal
placenta?, succulent fruit, a regular corolla, and no albumen.
Anomalies. The ripe fruit is divided into 3 or 4 cells in some Momordicas,
and is occasionally dry, opening by valves at the apex.
Essential Character. — Flowers usually diclinous, sometimes monoclinous. Calyx
5- toothed, sometimes obsolete. Corolla 5-partcd, scarcely distinguishable from the calyx, very
cellular, with strongly marked reticulated veins, sometimes fringed. Stamens 5, either distinct,
or cohering in 3 parcels ; anthers 2-celled, very long and sinuous. Ovarium inferior, 1-celled,
with 3 parietal placenta; ; style short ; stigmas very thick, velvety or fringed. Fruit fleshy,
more or less succulent, crowned by the scar of the calyx, I-celled, with 3 parietal placentae.
Seeds flat ovate, enveloped in an arillus, which is either juicy, or dry and membranous; testa
coriaceous, often thick at the margin ; embryo flat, with no albumen; cotyledons foliaceous,
veined ; radicle next the hilum. — Hoots annual or perennial, fibrous or tuberous. Stem succu-
lent, climbing by means of tendrils formed by abortive leaves (stipuls, St. Hil). Leaves pal-
mated, or with palmate ribs, very succulent, covered with numerous asperities. Flowers
white, red, or yellow.
190
Affinities. Placed by Auguste de St. Hilaire and Decandolle between
Myrtaceae, to which they appeal to me to have little affinity, and Passifloreae,
to which they are so closely allied, that they scarcely differ, except in their mo-
nopetalous corolla, sinuous stamens, diclinous flowers, and exalbuminous seeds,
the habit of both being exactly the same. By the former of these two writers
a very particular account of the structure of the order has been given in the
JWLemoires du Museum. He adopts the opinion of Jussieu, that the apparent
corolla of these plants is really a calyx, considering the apparent calyx to be
merely certain external appendages. This view I cannot follow, any more
than the notion of Passifloreae being apetalous : however ingenious the reason-
ing may be upon which such theories are founded, they appear to me to be
overstrained, and entirely at variance with both analogy and actual structure.
In discussing the affinities of the order, which he does much at length, he re-
marks, that Carica (now the type of the order Papayaceae) should be ex-
cluded ; that the tendrils of Cucurbitaceae are transformed stipules, but scarce-
ly analogous to the stipulae of Passifloreae ; that there is an affinity between
the order and Campanulacea^ manifested in the perigynous insertion of the
stamens, the inferior ovarium, the single style with several stigmas, the quinary
division of the flower connected with the ternary division of the fruit, and,
finally, some analogy in the nature of the floral envelopes. He, however,
chiefly insists upon their affinity with Onagrariae, with which, including Com-
bretaceae, they agree in their definite perigynous stamens, single st3rle, exalbu-
minous seeds, fleshy fruit, and occasionally in the diclinous flowers and climb-
ing stem, being connected in the latter point of view with Onagrariae through
Gronovia, a climbing genus of that order. He also points out the further con-
nexion that exists between Cucurbitaceae and Onagrariae through Loaseae,
which, with an undoubted affinity to the latter, have all the habit of the former.
With regard to the supposed affinity of Cucurbitaceae to Myrtaceae, this is
founded upon the characters of a small group, called Nandhirobe^, consist-
ing of plants having the habit of Cucurbitaceae, but some resemblance in the
form of their fruit to that of Lecythideae, which, as is well known, border close-
ly upon Myrtaceae : but beyond this resemblance in the fruit, which appears to
be altogether a structure of analogy rather than of affinity, I find nothing to
confirm the approachment. Indeed, I agree with Decandolle in estimating
Nandhirobeae no higher than a mere section of Cucurbitaceae.
Geography. Natives of hot countries in both hemispheres, chiefly within
the tropics ; a few are found to the north in Europe and North America, and
several are natives of the Cape of Good Hope. India appears- to be their
favourite station.
Properties. One of the most useful orders in the vegetable kingdom,
comprehending the Melon, the Cucumber, the Choco, and the various species
of Gourd, all useful as the food of man. A bitter laxative quality perhaps per-
vades all these, which in the Colocynth gourd, is so concentrated as to become
an active purgative principle. The Colocynth of the shops is prepared from
the pulp of Cue umis Colocyn this : it is of so drastic and irritating a nature as
to be classed by Orfila among his poisons ; but, according to Thunberg, the
gourd is rendered perfectly mild at the Cape of Good Hope, by being properly
pickled. Jlinslie, 1. 85. The bitter resinous matter in which the active prin-
ciples of Colocjmth are supposed to exist, is called by chemists Colocynthin.
A waxy substance is secreted by the surface of the fruit of Benincasacerifera.
It is produced in the most abundance at the time of its ripening. Delile
Descript. The leaf of Feuillea cordifolia is asserted by M. Drapiez to be a
powerful antidote against vegetable poisons. Ed. P. J. 4. 221. The fruit of
Trichosanthes palmata, pounded small and intimately blended with warm
cocoa-nut oil, is considered a valuable application in India for cleaning and
191
healiiiff the offensive sores which sometimes take place inside of the ears. It
is also supposed to be a useful remedy, poured up the nostrils, in cases of
ozama. Jiinslie, 2. 85. The root of Bryonia possesses powerful purgative
properties, but is said to be capable of becoming wholesome food if properly
cooked. The perennial roots of all the order appear to contain similar bitter
drastic virtues, especially that of the Momordica Elaterium, or Spirting
Cucumber. An extremely active poisonous principle, called Elatine, has also
been found in the placenta of this plant. It exists in such extremely small
quantity, that Dr. Clutterbuck only obtained 6 grains from 40 fruit. Ed. P. J.
3. 307. An ingenious explanation of the cause of the singular ejection of
the seeds of this plant will be found in Dutrochet Nouvelles Recherches sur
I'Exosmose, The root of Bryonia rostrata is prescribed in India internally, in
electuary, in cases of piles. It is also used as a demulcent, in the form of
powder/ That of Bryonia cordifolia is considered cooling, and to possess
virtues in complaints requiring expectorants. Jiinslie, 2. 21. The root of
Bryonia epigaea was once supposed to be the famous Colombo root, to which
it approaches very nearly in quality. The tender shoots and leaves of Bryonia
scabra are aperient, having been previously roasted. Ibid. 2. 212. The seeds
of all the species are. sweet and oily, and capable of forming very readily an
emulsion; those of Joliffia africana, an African plant, are as large as chest-
nuts, and said to be as excellent as almonds, having a very agreeable flavour ;
when pressed . they yield an abundance of oil, equal to that of the finest
Olives. Decandolle remarks, that the seeds of this family never participate in
the property of the pulp that surrounds them.
Examples. Cucurnis, Biyonia, Cucurbita, Luffa.
CLXXXII PLANTAGINE^E. The Rib-Grass Tribe.
Plant agines, Juss. Gen. 89. (1789).— Plantagine.e, R. Brown Prodr. 423. (1810); Lindl.
Sr/nops. 169. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous tetrandrous dicotyledons, with a regular corolla,
a superior 2-4-celled ovarium, a simple filiform stigma, spiked flowers, flaccid
filaments, and a membranous pericarp dehiscing transversely.
Anomalies. In Littorella the flowers are solitary.
Essential Chabacter. — Flowers usually monoelinous, seldom diclinous. Calyx 4-parted,
persistent. Corolla monopetalous, hypogynous, persistent, with a 4-parted limb. Stawc7is4,
inserted into the corolla, alternately with its segments ; JUdments filiform, flaccid, doubled
inwards in aestivation ; anthers versatile, 2-celled. Ovarium sessile, without a disk, 2-, very
seldom 4-celled ; ovula peltate or erect, solitary, twin, or indefinite ; style simple, capillary;
stigma hispid, simple, rarely half bifid. Capsule membranous, dehiscing transversely.
,V, , ds sessile, peltate, or erect, solitary, twin, or indefinite ; testa, mucilaginous ; embryo in the
axis of fleshyalbumen; radicle inferior ; ■plumida inconspicuous.— Herbaceous plants, usually
stemless, occasionally with a stem ; hairs simple, articulated. Leaves flat and ribbed, or
taper and fleshy. Flowers in spikes, rarely solitary.
Affinities. By Jussieu this is considered apetalous, the corolla being
called calyx, and the calyx bractea?. But this appears so contrary to all
analogy, that it is impossible to adopt the opinion. The order seems to be
more near Plumbagineae than any other, agreeing with them in habit, and
also in the general structure of the flower, but differing in having a 1-celled
ovarium, with a solitary ovulum, and several stigmas. Mr. Don (Jameson's
192
Journal, Jan. 1830, p. 166.) refers Glaux to Plantagineae, " where it will form
the connecting link between that family and Primulacese."
Geography. Scattered over the whole world, in almost every quarter of
which they are found in one situation or another.
Properties. The herbage is slightly bitter and astringent, and they have
even been reckoned febrifuges. Their seeds are covered with mucus. Accord-
ing to Decandolle, those of P. arenaria are exported in considerable quantities
from Nismes and Montpellier to the north of Europe, and are supposed to be
consumed in the completion of the manufacture of muslins. The seeds of
Plantago Ispaghula are of a very cooling nature, and, like those of Plantago
Psyllium, form, with boiling water, a rich mucilage, which is much used in
India in catarrh, gonorrhoea, and nephritic affections. Jliiislie, 2. 116.
Examples. Plantago, Littorella.
CLXXXITI. PLUMBAGINE.E. The Leadwort Tribe.
Plumbagines, Juss. Gen. 92. (1789).— PlumbaginejE, R. Brown Prodr. 425. (1810.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
1-celled ovarium containing a single ovuhun suspended from the apex of an um-
bilical cord, and a naked stigma.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Calyx tabular, plaited, persistent, Corulla monopetaloos or
5-petalous, regular. Stamens definite; in the munopetalous species hypogynous ! inthepoly-
petalous arising from the petals ! Ovarium superior, single, 1-seeded ; oeulum inverted, pen-
dulous from the point of an umbilical cord, arising from the bottom of the cavity ; styles 5 !
seldom 3 or 4 ; stigmas the same number. Fruit a nearly indehiscent utriculus. Seed in-
verted ; testa simple ; embryo straight ; radicle superior. — Herbaceous plants or under-shr-ubs,
variable in appearance. Leaves alternate or clustered, undivided, somewhat sheathing at the
base. Flowers either loosely panicled, or contracted into heads, flowering irregularly.
Affinities. Distinguished from all other monopetalous orders by their
plaited calyx and solitary ovulum, suspended from the apex of a cord which
arises from the base of a 1-celled ovarium, with several stigmas. From Plan-
taginere they are otherwise chiefly known by their inflorescence not being sim-
ply spiked, and their albumen not fleshy. The economy of the ovulum is
highly curious ; before fecundation it is suspended from the apex of a cord, or
rather strap, which lies over the foramen or orifice through which the vivifying
influence of the pollen has to be introduced ; this foramen is presented to th<
summit of the cell immediately below the origin of the stigmas, but has no
communication with that part of the cell, from contact with which it is further
cut off by the overlying strap : but as soon as the pollen exercises its influence
upon the stigmas, the strap slips aside from above the foramen, which is enter-
ed by an extension of the apex of the cell, and thus a direct communication is
established between the pollen and the inside of the ovulum. This phenome-
non is obscurely hinted at by several writers, but was first distinctly shown me
by Mr. Brown, and has lately been beautifully illustrated by Mirbel Nouvelles
Rccherches stir tOmde, tab. 4. Nyctagineac are distinguished by their curved
embryo, want of petals, and coloured calyx, the base of which hardens and
contracts an adhesion with the pericarp, which is finally absorbed.
Geography. Many arc inhabitants of the salt marshes and sea coasts of
the temperate parts of the world, particularly of the basin of the Mediterranean
and the southern provinces of the Russian empire ; others grow from Green-
193
land and the mountains of Europe, to the sterile volcanic regions of Cape Horn.
A few are found within the tropics ; of these Plumbago zeylanica extends
from Ceylon to Port Jackson, and iEgialitis grows among the Mangroves of
northern Australasia.
Properties. This order contains plants of very opposite qualities ; part are
tonic and astringent, and part acrid and caustic in the highest degree. The
root of Statice caroliniana is one of the most powerful astringents in the vege-
table materia medica. Bigelow, 2. 55. The bruised fresh bark of the root of
Plumbago zeylanica acts as a vesicatory, and is applied in India to buboes in
♦heir incipient state. Ainslie, 2. 77. Plumbago europasa is employed by beg-
gars to raise ulcers upon their bodies to excite pity ; and Plumbago scandens
is remarkably acrid. Plumbago europsa is said by Duroques to have been
used with considerable advantage in cases of cancer, for which purpose the ul-
cers were dressed twice daily with olive oil in which the leaves had been infused.
Ibid. 2. 78. Plumbago scandens is called, on account of these properties, Herbe
du Diable in St. Domingo. As garden plants, nearly the whole of the order is
much prized for beauty, particularly the Statices, many of which are among
the most lovely herbaceous plants we know.
Examples. Statice, Armeria, Taxanthema, Plumbago, iEgialitis, Vogelia,
Theta.
CLXXXIV. DIPSACEtE. The Scabious Tribe.
Dipsacej;, Juss. Gen. 194. (1789); Dec. et Duby Bot. Gall. 255. (1829); Lindl. Synops. 139.
(1829) ; Coulter Mem. in Act. Genev. 2. 13. (1823). [Dec. Prod. 4. 643. (1830.)]
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with an inferior 1-celled ovarium,
capitate flowers, distinct anthers, and albuminous pendulous seeds.
Anomalies. Ovarium sometimes partly superior.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, membranous, resembling- pappus ; surrounded by
a scarious involucellum. Corolla monopetalous, tubular, inserted in the calyx ; limb oblique,
4- or 5-lobed, with an imbricated activation. Stamens usually 4 or 5, alternate with the lobes
of the corolla; anthers distinct. Ovarium inferior, 1-celled, with a single pendulous ovulum ;
style 1 ; stigma simple. Fruit dry, indehiscent, 1-celled, crowned by the pappus-like calyx ;
embryo straight, in the axis of fleshy albumen; radicle superior.— Herbaceous plants or
under-shrubs". Leaves opposite or whorled. Flowers collected upon a common receptacle, and
surrounded by a many-leaved involucrum.
Affinities. The relation of this family is obviously in the first degree with
Composite, from which it differs in its distinct stamens and its pendulous albu-
minous seeds; and next with Calycereas, which have connate anthers and alter-
nate leaves. But if we compare it with Caprifoliaceee, different as it is in
habit, we shall find very little beyond the capitate flowers and the presence of
an involucellum to distinguish it absolutely. The same character of the capi-
tate flowers, and the presence of albumen, forms the distinction between Dipsa-
ceae and Valerianeee. What is called the involucellum is a curious organ, re-
sembling an external calyx, and is to each particular flower of the head of
Dipsaceae what the partial involucrum of Umbelliferse is to each partial umbel ;
and, accordingly, we ought to expect to find instances of more flowers than one
being enclosed within this involucellum ; and this is said by Coulter actually
to take place in the genus Gundelia. This is, however, not the only peculia-
rity of the order. Mr. Brown has the following curious remarks :
35
194
" M. Auguste Saint Hilaire, in his excellent memoir on Primulaceae, while
he admits the correctness of M. Decandolle's account with respect to great
part of Dipsacere, has at the same time well observed, that in several species
of Scabiosa the ovarium is entirely united with the tube of the calyx. But
neither of these authors has remarked the curious, and I believe pecuhar, cir-
cumstance, of the base of the style cohering with.the narrow apex of the tube
of the calyx, even in those species of the order in which the dilated part of the
tube is entirely distinct from the ovarium. This kind of partial cohesion be-
tween pistillum and calyx is directly opposite to what usually takes place,
namely, the base of the ovarium being coherent, while its upper is distinct. It
equally, however, determines the apparent origin or insertion of corolla and
stamina, producing the unexpected combination of ' flos auperus' with ovarium
'liberum.'" Linn. Trans. 12. 138.
Geography. Chiefly natives of the south of Europe, Barbary, the Levant,
and the Cape of Good Hope ; not affecting particular stations in any striking
degree, except that they generally shun cold, and do not attain much eleva-
tion above the sea. Coulter.
Properties. Unimportant. The Teasel used by fullers in dressing cloth
is the dried head of Dipsacus fullonum. Some of them are reputed febrifugal.
Scabiosa succisa is said to yield a green dye, and also to be astringent enough
to deserve the attention of tanners. Ghnel. Fl. Bad. 1. 319.
Examples. Dipsacus, Scabiosa, Knautia.
CLXXXV. VALERIANE.E. The Valerian Tribe.
Valerianeje, Dec. Fl. Fr. ed. 3. v. 4. p. 232. (1815); Dufr. Valcr. Monogr. 56. (1811); Ldndl.
Si/nops. 137. (1829). [Dec. Prod. 4. 623. (1830).]
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with an inferior 1-celled ovarium,
distinct stamens, and exalbuminous pendulous seeds.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior; the limb either membranous, or resembling1
pappus. Corolla monopetalous, tubular, inserted into the top of the ovarium, with from 3 to
6 lobes, cither regular or irregular, sometimes calcarate at the base. Stamens from 1 to 5,
inserted into the tube of the corolla, and alternate with its lobes. Ovarium inferior, with 1
cell, and sometimes 2 other abortive ones ; ovulum solitary, pendulous ; style simple , stigmas
from 1 to 3. Fruit dry, indehiscent, with 1 fertile cell and 2 empty ones. Seed solitary,
pendulous; embryo straight, destitute of albumen; radicle superior. — Herbs. Leaves opposite,
without stipukc. Flowers corymbose, panicled, or in heads.
Affinities. Distinguished from Dipsacea^ by their flowers not being in
heads, by the want of albumen, by sensible properties, and the absence of an
involucellum.
Geography. Natives of most temperate climates ; sometimes at consider-
able elevations. They are abundant in the north of India, Europe, and South
America, but uncommon in Africa and North America.
Properties. The roots of Valeriana officinalis, Phu, and celtica, are tonic,
bitter, aromatic, antispasmodic, and vermifugal ; they are even said to be feb-
rifugal. The scent of these roots is not agreeable to a European ; and yet
those of some species are highly esteemed as perfumes. Eastern nations pro-
cure from the mountains of Austria the Valeriana celtica to aromatize their
baths ; the V. Jatamansi, or true Spikenard of the ancients, is valued in India,
not only for its scent, but also as a remedy in hysteria and epilepsy. The
195
young leaves of the species of Valerianella are eaten as salad, under the
French name of Mache, or the English one of Lamb's Lettuce. Red Valerian
is also eaten in the same way in Sicily. Dec.
Examples. Valeriana, Valerianella, Patrinia.
CLXXXVI. COMPOSITE.
CouposiTiE, Adans. Fam. 2. 103. (1763); Kunth in Humb. N. G. et Sp. vol.4. (1820); Lindl.
Synops. 140. (1829).— Synantherej:, Rich. Anal. (1808); Cassini Diet. Sc. N. 10. 131.
(1818); ibid. 60. 563. (1830). — CobymbifebjE, Cynabocephal*, and Cichobace-k,
Juss. Gen. (1789.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a 1-celled inferior ovarium,
capitate flowers, syngenesious stamens, and erect ovula.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, closely adhering1 to the ovarium, and undia-
tinguishable from it: its limb either wanting-, or membranous, divided into bristles, palea,
hairs, or feathers, and called pappus. Corolla monopetalous, superior, usually deciduous,
either ligulate or funnel-shaped ; in the latter case, 4- or 5-toothed, with a valvate aestivation.
Stamens equal in number to the teeth of the corolla, and alternate with them ; the anthers
cohering into a cylinder. Ovarium inferior, 1-celled, with a single erect ovulum ; style sim-
ple ; stigmas 2, either distinct or united. Fruit a small, indehiscent, dry pericarpium,
crowned with the limb of the calyx. Seed solitary, erect ; embryo with a taper, inferior
radicle ; albumen none. — Herbaceous plants or shrubs. Leaves alternate or opposite, without
stipulffi, usually simple. Flowers (called Jlorets) diclinous or monoclinous, collected in dense
heads upon a common receptacle, surrounded by an involucrum. Bractcce either present or
absent ; when present, stationed at the base of the florets, and called palcae of the receptacle.
Affinities. One of the most natural and extensive families of the vege-
table kingdom, at all times recognised by its syngenesious stamens and capitate
flowers. Calycereea and Dipsaceaa, neighbouring orders, are readily dis-
tinguished by their pendulous ovulum, and by the anthers being either wholly
or partially distinct. In proportion to its strict natural limits, depending upon
the uniformity of its characters, is the difficulty of separating it into sections
or subordinate divisions, a measure absolutely necessary, on account of the
vast number of species referable to the order. Jussieu has three ; Corymbiferae,
the florets of which are flosculous in the middle, and ligulate at the circum-
ference ; Cichoraceae, the florets of which are all • ligulate ; and Cynaroce-
phalffi, all whose florets are flosculous : to which has since been added a tribe
called bilabiate. Linnaeus divided them according to the stamens and pistils of
the florets of different parts of the same head. The former has been found un-
exceptionable, as far as it goes ; the latter wholly unmanageable. Neither,
however, have satisfied the views of modern botanists, who have divided the
order into a considerable number of sections, to which each has given his own
name ; so that this order has become a perfect chaos to all who have not
devoted years to its exclusive study. The most important of those who have
undertaken to remodel Composite, are M. Cassini, who has written much
upon them in the Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles, and elsewhere ; M.
Kunth, whose arrangement will be found in Humboldt's Nova Genera et
Species Planlarum ; Mr. Don, who has written several detached papers upon
them ; and Link, who has an arrangement of his own in his Handbuch, vol. 1.
p. 685. The most profound writers upon their general structure are M.
Cassini and Mr. Robert Brown, whose paper in the 12th volume of the
Transactions of the Linncean Society is a masterpiece of careful investigation
and acute reasoning, from which I extract the following remarks :
196
" The whole of Composite agree in two remarkable points of structure of
their corolla ; which, taken together at least, materially assist in determining
the limits of the class. The first of these is its valvular estivation ; this,
however, it has in common with several other families. The second I believe
to be peculiar to the class, and hitherto unnoticed. It consists in the disposi-
tion of its fasciculi of vessels or nerves ; these, which at their origin are
generally equal in number to the divisions of the corolla, instead of being
placed opposite to these divisions, and passing through their axes as in other
plants, alternate with them ; each of the vessels at the top of the tube divid-
ing into two equal branches, running parallel to and near the margins of the
corresponding laciniae, within whose apices they unite. These, as they exist
in the whole class, and are in great part of it the only vessels observable, may
be called primary. In several genera, however, other vessels occur, alternating
with the primary, and occupying the axes of the laciniae ; in some cases these
secondary vessels being most distinctly visible in the lacinie, and becoming
gradually fainter as they descend the tube, might be regarded as recurrent,
originating from the united apices of the primary branches ; but in other cases,
where they are equally distinct at the base of the tube, this supposition cannot
be admitted. A monopetalous corolla not splitting at the base is necessarily
connected with this structure, which seems also peculiarly well adapted to the
dense inflorescence of Composite, the vessels of the corolla and stamina
being .united, and so disposed as to be least liable to suffer by pressure."
JR. Brown Linn. Trans. 12. 77.
Geography. All parts of the world abound in Composite, but in very
different proportions. According to the calculations of Humboldt, they con-
stitute | of the phenogamous plants of France, \ of Germany, Tj of Lap-
land, in North America £, within the tropics of America \ ; upon the autho-
rity of Mr. Brown, they only form T\ of the Flora of the north of New
Holland, and did not exceed ~ in the collection of plants formed by Dr. Smith
upon the western coast of Africa in Congo. Congo, 445. In Sicily they
constitute rather more than ■*■ (Presl.) ; the same proportion exists in the
Balearic Islands (Cambesstdes) ; but in Melville Island they are rather more
than Jg (Broion), a proportion nearly the same as that of the tropical parts of
New Holland. It does not, therefore, appear that Composite, as an order, are
subject to any very fixed ratio of increase or decrease corresponding with
latitude. But much remains to be learned upon this subject. It is certain
that Cichoracee are most abundant in cold regions, and Corymbifere in hot
ones ; and that while in the northern parts of the world Composite are uni-
versally herbaceous plants, they become gradually frutescent, or even arbo-
rescent, as we approach the equator ; most of those of Chile are bushes, and
the trees of St. Helena are chiefly Composite.
Properties. I shall extract the substance of Decandolle's excellent
remarks upon the properties of this family, with some additions. See Essai
sur les Propri£t£s, §c. 177.
They are best considered under the three principal heads of classification.
CoRYMBIFERiE.
There is a bitterness peculiar to all Composite, which in this section assumes
a particular character, being combined with a resinous principle. If this latter
exists in an inconsiderable quantity, and mixed with a bitter or astringent
mucilage, we find tonic, stomachic, and febrifugal qualities, as in Tussilago
Farfara, Camomile, Elecampane, Golden Rod, Matricaria Parthenium, the
Stevia febrifuga of Mexico, and Eupatorium perfoliatum. The Inula Hele-
nium, or Elecampane, has a root which is aromatic and slightly fetid. It is
said to be of little value as a stomachic ; the French prepare from it a medi-
197
cinal wine they call Vin d'Aulnee. JiinsUe, 1. 120. Eupatoriurn perfoliatum
is known in North America under the name of Boneset. It possesses very
important tonic and diaphoretic properties ; it is also slightly stimulant. See
Barton, 2. 133. upon this subject. In proportion as this resinous principle
increases, the stimulating properties are augmented. Some become anthel-
mintics, as Artemisia, Tansy, and Santolina ; others emmenagogues, as Matri-
caria, Achillea and Artemisia. The seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica are
accounted, in India, a very powerful anthelmintic. Ainslie, 2. 54. Artemisia
chinensis and other species yield the Moxa of China, a substance which is
used as a cautery, by burning it upon parts affected by gout and rheumatism.
The leaves of A. maderaspatana are esteemed by the Indian doctors a valuable
stomachic medicine ; they are also sometimes used in antiseptic and anodyne
fomentations. Ibid. 1. 482. Artemisia indica is considered in India a power-
ful deobstruent and antispasmodic. Ibid. 2. 194. Some are sudorifics, like
Eupatoriurn, Achillea, Artemisia, and Calendula ; others diuretic ; and some
possess both these qualities. A species of Conyza is highly esteemed in
Mendoza as a diuretic. Erigeron philadelphicum and heterophyllum are both
used in the United States as diuretics. They are commonly sold under the
name of Scabions. Barton, 1. 234. The roots of several species of Liatris
are active diuretics. Ibid. 2. 225. A decoction of the leaves and roots of
Elephantopus scaber is given on the Malabar coast in cases of dysuria.
Ainslie, 2. 17. A decoction of Cacalia sonchifolia is antifebrile. Ibid. 2. 213.
The leaves of Cacalia alpina and sarracenica are recommended in coughs.
Ibid. Many are sternutatories, as Rtarmica and Arnica ; others excite saliva-
tion powerfully, as Spilanthus, Siegesbeckia orientalis, Anthemis pyrethrum.
Coreopsis bidens, and Bidens tripartita : some are emetic. A decoction of
Anthemis cotula is a strong and active bitter ; in the dose of a teacupful it
produces copious vomiting and sweating. Barton, 1. 169. Others are tonic
and antispasmodic, such as Achillea, Camomile, Wormword, Tansy, Eupato-
riurn, &c. Many have been celebrated for their power of curing the bites of ser-
pents, especially Eupatoriurn Ayapana, the leaves of which also form, in infu-
sion, excellent diet drink ; when fresh bruised, they are said to be a most use-
ful application for cleaning the face of a foul ulcer. Ainslie, 2. 35. An infu-
sion of another species is used by the Javanese in fevers. Ibid. A valuable
antidote against the bite of serpents, Vijuco del guaco, much esteemed in
Spanish America, is produced by Mikania guaco. Humboldt Cinch. Forests,
p. 21. Eng. ed. But the power of this Mikania is denied in the most positive
terms by Dr. Hancock (Quarterly Journ. Jidy 1830, p. 334.), who suspects
that the real Guaco antidote is some kind of Aristolochia. The peculiar and
agreeable flavour of Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is well known. A
vinegar, not distinguishable in flavour from it, is prepared in the Alps from
Achillea nana, as well as from several dwarf species of Artemisia. The seeds
usually abound in a fixed oil, which, in some cases, has the reputation of being
anthelmintic : it is extracted in abundance from Madia sativa, Verbesina sativa,
and even Helianthus, the grains of which are made into cakes by the North
American Indians. The genus Helianthus contains a species remarkable for
its eatable, wholesome tubers (H. tuberosus, or Jerusalem Artichoke,) while
the roots of the Dahlia are extremely disagreeable. It is stated by M. Payen,
that benzoic acid exists in the Dahlia. Brewster, 1. 376. A principle called
Inulin is obtained from the roots of Inula Helenium. Turner, 700. The pith
of the Sunflower has been stated by John to be a peculiar chemical principle,
which he calls Medullin.
ClNAROCEPHAL.E.
Characterized by intense bitterness, wdiich depends upon the mixture of
extractive with a gum which is sometimes yielded in great abundance. On
198
this account some have been accounted stomachics, as Carduus benedictus ;
others slightly febrifugal, as Carduus marianus, Centaurea calcitrapa ; the
Artichoke and others sudorific and diaphoretic, as Carduus benedictus and
Arctium Bardana. The modern Arabians consider the root of the Artichoke
(Cynara scolymus) an aperient : they call the gum of it Kunkirzeed, and
place it among their emetics. Jlinslie, 1. 22. This bitterness is not, however,
found in the unexpanded leaves or receptacles, on which account they are,
in many cases, used as wholesome articles of food ; as the leaves of the Car-
doon, and the receptacle of the unexpanded flower of Artichoke, the Carlina
acanthifolia, and others. The flower of Echinops strigosus is used in Spain
for tinder ; the corollas of the Artichoke, the Cardoon, and of several thistles,
are employed in the South of Europe for curdling milk ; and those of Cartha-
mus tinctorius yield a deep yellow dye, resembling Saffron. Their seeds are
all oily and slightly bitter ; some are purgative, as those of Carthamus ; others
diaphoretic, as Carduus benedictus ; and, finally, some partake of all these
qualities, as Arctium Bardana, whose seeds pass for diuretic, diaphoretic, and
slightly purgative.
ClCHORACE.E.
These are very much like Campanulaceae in their medical and chemical pro-
perties, as might have been expected from the close affinity they bear that order
botanically. Their juice is usually milky, bitter, astringent, and narcotic, as is
well known to be the case in Succory, Endive, and even the common Lettuce,
but more especially in Lactuca virosa and sylvestris, both of which yield an ex-
tract resembling Opium in its qualities, but less likely to produce the inconve-
nient consequences that often attend upon the use of that drug. Before this
narcotic bitter secretion is formed, many of the species are useful articles of food ;
the Succory and Endive, for instance, when blanched, and the roots of Scorzo-
nera and Tragopogon, or Salsafy.
Examples. Leontodon, Bellis, Carduus.
Since the foregoing was set in type, the last volume of the Diclionnaire des
Sciences Naturelles has reached me. In that work M. Cassini has at length
given the differential characters of his tribes, and a complete Index of the places
in which his observations are to be found. This will render the study of the
genera and divisions of this very accurate and learned botanist more accessible
than it has hitherto been. I do not extract the names of the tribes and their
characters, as they would, in the first place, occupy more space than could be
conveniently afforded, and, secondly, because they cannot be considered suf-
ficiently settled.
CLXXXVII. CALYCEREiE.
Calyceheje, R. Brmi-nin Linn. Trans. 12. 132. (1816) ; Rich, in Mm. Mm. 6. 76. (1820).—
Boopide-e, Cassini in Diet, des Sc. 5. 26. Supp. (1817.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with an inferior 1 -celled ovarium,
capitate flowers, half syngenesious stamens, and pendulous ovula.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, of 5 unequal pieces. Corolla regular, funnel-
shaped, with a long slender tube and 5 segments, each 01 which has 3 principal veins ; glandu-
lar spaces below tlic stamens and alternate with them. Stamens 5, monadelphous ; anthers
combined by their lower half in a cylinder. Ovarium, inferior, 1-cellcd ; ovulvm solitary,
pendulous ; style simple, smooth ; stigma capitate. Fruit an jndchiscent pcricarpium, crowned
199
by the rigid spiny scgmentsof the calyx. Seed solitary, pendulous, sessile ; embryo in the axis
of fleshy albumen ; radicle superior. — Herbaceous plants. Leaves alternate, without stipulte.
Mowers collected in heads, which are either terminal or opposite the leaves, surrounded by an
involucrum. Florets sessile, monoclinous, or neuter.
Affinities. A very small and curious tribe, differing from Composite in
nothing but their albumen, pendulous ovulum, and half distinct anthers, and
from Dipsaceae in their filaments being monadelphous and their anthers partly-
connate. They may therefore be considered to hold a middle station between
these two families. Richard's monograph, in the work above quoted, is worthy
of the high reputation of that distinguished botanist.
Geography. All natives of South America.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Acicarpha, Boopis, Calycera.
CLXXXVIII. GLOBULARINEiE.
tiLOBULABiNEfi, Dec. Fl. Fr. 3. 427. (1815) ; Cambessedes in Ann. des Sciences, 9. 15. (1826) ;
Link Handb. 1. 675. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with irregular capitate flowers,
and a superior 1 -celled indehiscent fruit.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx persistent, 5-cleft, usually equal, sometimes 2-lipped. Co-
rolla hypogynous, tubular, bilabiate, rarely 1-lipped, made up of 5 petals. Stamens 4, the up-
permost being wanting, arising from the top of the tube of the corolla, somewhat didynamous ;
anthers reniform, bursting longitudinally, the 2 cells confluent into 1. Ovarium superior,
1-celled, with a single pendulous ovulum. ; style filiform, emarginate at the apex. Fruit small,
indehiscent, pointed with the persistent style. Albumen fleshy ; embryo straight, in its axis;
radicle superior, about as long as the ovate cotyledons. — Shrubs, or small low under-shrubs,
or perennial herbs. Leaves alternate, often fascicled, turning black in drying. Flowers col-
lected in small heads, upon a convex paleaceous receptacle.
Affinities. These were placed near Primulacese both by Jussieu and De-
candolle ; but their closest affinity is now known to be with Dipsaceae, with
which Globularinese agree in a multitude of particulars, especially in habit, but
differ in having a superior ovarium, and in so little besides, that it may be
doubted whether, considering the peculiar nature of the cohesion of the calyx
and ovarium of Dipsaceae, they and Globularineee are not the same family.
They were united by Lamarck in the same order as Proteaceae.
Geography. Natives of the hot and temperate parts of Europe ; Dantzic
is their most northern station.
Properties. Bitter, tonic, and purgative herbaceous plants.
Example. Globularia.
200
CLXXXIX. STELLATiE. The Madder Tribe.
Rubiaces, Sect. I. Juss. Gen. 196. (1789).— Stellatje. Linn.; R. Brown in Congo, (1818) ;
Lindl. Synops. 128. (1829).— Galieje, Turp. in Atlas du JSouv. Dict.des 80.(1) [Rubi-
acejE,' tribe xii.— Stellate, Dec. Prod. 4. 343. (1830.)]
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with an inferior didymous fruit,
solitary erect ovula, angular stems, and verticillate scabrous leaves without
stipulae.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, 4- 5- or 6-lobed. Corolla monopetalous, rotate or
tubular, regular, inserted into the calyx ; the number of its divisions equal to those of the ca-
lyx. Stamens equal in number to the lobes of the corolla, and alternate with them. Ovarium
simple, 2-celled ; ovules solitary, erect ; style simple ; stigmata 2. Fruit a dry indehiscent peri-
carpium, with 2 cells and 2 seeds. Seeds erect, solitary ; embryo straight in the axis of horny
albumen ; radicle inferior ; cotyledons leafy. — Herbaceous ^ plants, with whorled leaves, destitute
of stipulcB ; square stems ; roots staining red ; flowers minute.
Affinities. There can be little doubt that the inconspicuous weeds of
which this order is composed have as strong claims to be separated from Cin-
chonacese as that order from Apocynese or Caprifoliaceae. It is true that no
very positive characters are to be obtained from the fructification, but the want
is abundantly supplied by the square stems and verticillate leaves without sti-
pule, forming a kind of star, from which circumstance the name Stellatse is de-
rived. Properly speaking, the appellation Rubiaces should be confined to this
group, as it comprehends the genus Rubia ; but that name has been so gene-
rally applied to the larger mass now comprehended under the name of Cincho-
naceee, that I find it better to abolish the name Rubiaceae altogether.
Geography. Natives of the northern parts of the northern hemisphere,
where they are extremely common weeds.
Properties. First among them stands Madder, the root of Rubia tincto-
ria one of the most important dyes with which we are acquainted ; a quality
in which many other species of Stellate participate in a greater or less degree.
The roots of Rubia Manjista yield the Madder of Bengal, (Ainslie, 1. 203.)
The torrefied grains of Galium are said to be a good substitute for coffee. The
flowers of Galium verum are used to curdle milk. An infusion of Asperula
cynanchica has a little astringency, and has been used as a gargle. Asperula
odorata, or Woodruff, is remarkable for its fragrance when dried ; it passes for
a diuretic. Rubia noxa is said to be poisonous. Ed, Phil. Journ. 14. 207.
Examples. Galium, Rubia, Asperula, Sherardia, Crucianella.
CXC. CINCHONACE^E. The Cinchona Tribe.
Rubiaceje, Juss. Gen. 196. (1789)>r the most part ; Ann. Mus. 10. 313. (1807); Mem. Mus.
6. 365. (1820) ; Diet, des Sciences, 46. 385. (1827). [Dec. Prod. 4. 341. (1830), with, the ex-
ception of Tribe xii.] — Opercularine-e, Juss. Ann. Mus. 4.418.(1804.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with an inferior ovarium, and op-
posite entire leaves, with intermediate stipule.
Anomalies. Opercularia has but one cell and 1 seed, and the number of
stamens is incongruous with the lobes of the corolla.
201
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, simple, with a definite number of divisions or
none, and connate bracteoe at its base. Corolla superior, tubular, regular, with a definite
number of divisions, which arc valvate or imbricated in aestivation and equal to the segments
of the calyx. Stamens arising' from the corolla, all on the same line, and alternate with its
segments ; pollen elliptical. Ovarium inferior, surmounted by a disk, usually 2-ccllcd, occa-
sionally with several cells; ovula numerous and attached to a central placenta, or few and
erect or ascending; style single, inserted, sometimes partly divided ; stigma usually simple,
sometimes divided into a definite number of parts. Fru.it inferior, either splitting into 2
cocci, or indehiscent and dry or succulent, occasionally many-celled. Seeds definite or inde-
finite; in the former case erect or ascending, in the latter attached to a central axis; embryo
small, oblong, surrounded by horny albumen; cotyledons thin; radicle longer, turned towards
the hilum. — Trees, shrubs, or herbs. Leaves simple, quite entire, opposite or verticillate, with
interpetiolar stipules. Flowers arranged variously, usually in panicles or corymbs.
Affinities. This well-marked and strictly limited order is nearly allied to
Composite, from which its distinct stamens, bilocular or plurilocular ovarium,
and inflorescence, distinguish it ; a'nd consequently it participates in all the re-
lationship of that extensive group. From Apocyneoe the aestivation of the
corolla, the presence of stipuke, and the inferior ovarium, distinctly divide it ;
yet, according to Mr. Brown, there exists a genus in equinoctial Africa which
has the interpetiolary stipules and seeds of Rubiacese, and the superior ovarium
of Apocyneae, thus connecting these two orders. Congo, 448. The close
proximity of Caprifoliaceoe has been adverted to in speaking of that order. A
tribe called Opercularinere, referred here by Mr. Brown, {Ibid. 447.) and others
(A. Rich. El£m. ed. 4. 483), is remarkable for having but 1 seed, and the num-
ber of stamens unequal to the lobes of the corolla, and occupies an interme-
diate position between genuine Cinchonacere and Dipsaceae. A good mono-
graph is much wanted of this extensive order, a very large proportion of the
species belonging to which remains still unpublished. I have been constrained
to alter the name of Rubiacese, because the genus Rubia does not belong to
the order, as I limit it.
Schlechtendahl and Chamisso divide the order thus :
Linnxa, 3. 309, &c. (1828.)
§ 1. ANTHOSPERME.a3.
Fruit capsular, 2-celled, 2-seeded, usually splitting into 2 pieces, rarely
indehiscent. Leaves somewhat whorled, with a simple stipula between the
leaves.
Examples. Anthospermum, Ambraria, Galopina, Phyllis.
§ 2. Spermacoce^:.
Fruit capsular, 2- 3- or 4-celled ; cells 1-seeded. Leaves opposite, connected
by a bristly ciliated stipula. Flowers in regular cymes, branched bi- or tri-
chotomously.
Examples. Spermacoce, Borreria, Mitracarpum, Psyllocarpus, Richard-
sonia, Diodia, Staelia.
§ 3. PSYCHOTRIACE.E.
Ovarium generally with 2 cells, each containing 1 ovulum. Fruit drupa-
ceous or berried. — Shrubs, usually with opposite leaves.
Examples. Declieuxia, Psychotria, Ixora, Coffea, Chiococca, Machaonia,
Palicurea, Tetramerium.
§ 4. Cephaelide^:.
Flowers in capitate fascicles. Berry 2-seeded.
Examples. Cephaelis, Geophila.
§ 5. Coccoctpseleje.
Flowers in capitate fascicles. Berry 2-celled, many-seeded.
Examples. Coccocypselum, Burchellia.
36
202
§ 6. Cephalanthe.e.
Flowers in round heads. Fruit variable.
Examples. Cephalanthus, Nauclea, Morinda.
§ 7. HEDYOTIDE.dE.
Capsule 2-ceIled, with a loculicidal dehiscence (indehiscent in DenteHa)
Cells many-seeded.
Examples. Dentella, Hedyotis, Gerontogea, Kohautia, Kadua, Xantho-
phytum, Metabolos, Rondeletia, Sipanea.
§ 8. Manettie^e.
Capsule 2-celled, with a septicidal dehiscence. Cells many-seeded. Sta-
mens 4.
Example. Manettia.
§ 9. ClNCHONE-E.
Capsule 2-celled, with a septicidal dehiscence. Cells many-seeded. Sta-
mens 5, or more.
Examples. Cinchona, Buena, Exostemma, Augusta.
§ 10. GUETTARDE.E.
Drupe either with a stone and many seeds, or with several 1-seeded stones.
Examples. Guettarda, Chomelia, Burneya.
§ II. HAMELIACE.E.
Berry many-celled ; cells many-seeded.
Examples. Hamelia, Sabicea, Axanthes, Gonzalagunia.
§ 12. GaRDENIACEjE.
^Estivation contorted.
Examples. Gardenia, Hillia.
This last section is intermediate between Cbinconacese and Strychnacea?,
Geography. Almost exclusively found in the hotter parts of the world,,
especially within the tropics, where they are said to constitute about l-29th of
the whole number of flowering plants. In America the most northern species*
is Pinckneya pubens, a shrub inhabiting the southern states of North Ame-
rica : the most southern is Nerteria depressa, a small herb found in the Straits
of Magellan. The order is represented in northern regions by Stellate.
Properties. Powerful febrifugal or emetic properties are the grand fea-
tures of this order, the most efficient products of which, in these two respects,
are Quinquina and Ipecacuanha. The febrifugal properties depend upon the
presence of a bitter, tonic, astringent principle, which exists in great abundance
in the bark ; those of Cinchona are known to depend upon the presence of two
alkabes, called cinchonia and quina, both of which are combined with kinic
acid ; two principles which, though very analogous, are distinctly different,
standing in the same relation to each other as potassa and soda. Turner, 648.
Dr. Sertiirner has obtained some other vegeto-alkalies from Cinchona, one of
which he calls chinioidia. Brande 12. 417. JV. S. But the existence of this
is denied by MM. Henry and Delondre. Ibid. July 1830, p. 422. A detailed
account of the qualities, synonymes, and commercial names of the species of
Cinchona is given in Mr. Lambert's Illustration of the Genera Cinchona^ 4to.
London, 1821. In the same work is a translation of Baron Humboldt's ac-
count of the Cinchona forests of South America. Three species of Cinchona,
the C ferruginea, Vellozii, and Remijiana, are found in Brazil, where they are
[* Professor Lin6>y doubtless made this remark inadvertently, as several Cinchonaceae extend consi-
derably farther north than the Pinckneya. The Cephalanthus" is found even in Canada.]
203
used for the same purposes as the Peruvian bark, to which, however, they are
altogether inferior. PI. Usuelles, no. 2. The bark of French Guiana, pos-
sessing properties analogous to those of Cinchona, is obtained from Portlandia
hexandra, Coutarea speciam, of Aublet. Hinub. Cinch. For. 43. Eng. ed.
The Quinquina Piton and Quinquina des Antilles are produced by species of
the genus Exostemma, and a reremarkable for possessing properties similar to
those of true Quinquina, but without any trace of either cinchonine or quinine.
PI. Usuelles, no. 3. A kind of fever bark is obtained at Sierra Leone from
Rondeletia febrifuga. Besides these, a great number of other species possess
barks more or less valuable : Pinckneya pubens is the fever bark of Carolina ;
Macrocnemum corymbosum, Guettarda coccinea, Antirhea and Morinda Royoc,
are all of the same description. A lightish brown, bitter, and powerfully astrin-
gent extract, called Gambeer, is obtained at Malacca by boiling the leaves of
Nauclea Gambeer ; it is sometimes substituted for Gum Kino. Ainslie 2. 106.
A decoction of the leaves as well as root of Webeva tetrandra is prescribed in
India in certain stages of flux, and the last is supposed to have anthelmintic
qualities, though neither have much sensible taste or smell. The bark and
young shoots are also used in dysentery. Ibid. 2. G3. Among the emetics,
Ipecacuanha holds the first rank : it is the root of Cephaelis Ipecacuanha, a
little creeping-rooted, half-herbaceous plant, found in damp shady forests in Bra-
zil. Similar properties are found in the roots of other Cmchonacese of the
same country, as in Richardsonia rosea and scabra, Spermacoce ferruginea and
Poaya, &c. A peculiar alkaline principle called Emetia is found in Ipecacu-
anha, which contains 16 per cent, of it. Turner, 653. The Raiz Preta,
which is celebrated for its power in curing dropsy, and in destroying the dan-
gerous consequences of bites of serpents, is said to be related to Ipecacuanha.
Ed. P. J. L 218. Several species of Psychotria, as emetica and herbacea,
are substitutes for Ipecacuanha. The spurious barks called Quinquina Piton
are capable of exciting vomiting. The powdered fruit of Gardenia dumetorum
is a powerful emetic. An infusion of the bark of the root is administered to
nauseate in bowel complaints. Ainslie, 2. 186. According to Roxburgh,
the root bruised and thrown into ponds where there are fish intoxicates them
as Cocculus indicus. Ibid. Psychotria noxa and Palicourea Marcgraavii,
both called Erva de rata, are accounted poisonous in Brazil ; but nothing very
certain seems to be'known of their properties. Ed. P. J. 14. 267. The leaves
of Oldenlandia umbellata are considered by the native doctors of India as ex-
pectorant. Ainslie, 2. 101. Coffee is the roasted seeds of a plant of this order,
Coffea arabica, and is supposed to owe its characters to a peculiar chemical
principle called Caffein. Turner, 699. The part roasted is the albumen,
which is of a hard horny consistence ; and it is probable that the seed of all
Cinchonacere or Stellatse whose albumen is of the same texture would serve as
a substitute. This would not be the case with those with fleshy albumen. The
fruit of some species of Gardenia, Genipa, and of Vangueria, the Voa Vanga
of Madagascar, are succulent and eatable.
Examples. See above.
204
CXCI. CAPRIFOLIACE.E. The Honeysuckle Tribe.
Caprifolia, Juss. Gen. 210. (17S9) in part. — Caprifol :.e.e, Dec. and Duby, 244. (1828);
Lindl. Synops. 131. (1829.) [Dec. Pro*. 4. 321. (1830.)]
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with an inferior many-celled ova-
rium, pendulous ovula, and opposite leaves without stipulse.
Anomalies. Hedera, a doubtful citizen, is polypetalous. Hydrangea is
both polypetalous and polyspermous.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, usually with 2 or more bractere at its base, entire
or lobed. Corolla superior, monopetalous or polypetalous, rotate or tubular, regular or irre-
gular. Stamens equal in number to the lobes of the corolla, and alternate with them. Ova-
rium with from 1 to 5 cells, 1 of which is often monospermous, the others polyspermous; in
the former the ovulum is pendulous; style 1 ; stigmas 1 or 3. Fruit indehiscent, 1 or more
celled, either dry, fleshy, or succulent, crowned by the persistent lobes of the calyx. Seeds
either solitary or pendulous, or numerous and attached to the axis; testa often bony; embryo
straight, in fleshy albumen; radicle superior.— Shrubs or herbaceous plants, with opposite
leaves, destitute of stipulcc. Flowers usually corymbose, and often sweet-scented.
Affinities. Whether this order comprehends the rudiments of four, name-
ly, Hederacese, Hydrangeacece, Sambucineae, and Lonicerese (the true Caprifo-
liaceas), or whether these are mere forms of one and the same order, it is not
easy to say. They are usually combined ; and yet the different habits of those
sections, the separation of the petals in Hedera and Hydrangea, and some hints
that have been thrown out by Mr. Brown, render it probable that there are
weighty grounds for their disunion. In the mean while it is most advisable to
retain the order in its present state until some skilful botanist shall have taken
the subject up, especially as there can be no doubt that, whether distinct or the
same, they are very nearly related to each other. Taking Lonicereae, or the
Honeysuckle tribe, for the type of the order, we find a striking affinity with
Cinchonaceee, in the monopetalous tubular corolla, definite stamens, inferior ova-
rium, and opposite leaves, an affinity which is confirmed by the corolla of the
latter being occasionally regular or irregular. With Apocyneae they will have,
for the same reasons, an intimate alliance, differing chiefly in their qualities, in
the non-connivence of their anthers, the aestivation of the corolla, and the struc-
ture of the ovarium. To Lorantheaa they also approach, but differ in the rela-
tion of the anthers to the lobes of the corolla, and in other points. But if we
consider the tribe called Sambucineae, our view of the affinities of the order will
take a different turn, and we shall find an approach to an order the relationship
of which would hardly have been suspected, viz. Saxifrageae : this is established
through the intervention of Hydrangea, a genus usually referred to Saxifrageae,
but which it appears more advisable to station by the side of Viburnum, from
which it is undistinguishable in habit, and with which it accords in inflo-
rescence and in the constant disposition of its flowers to become radiant, but
which differs in being polypetalous and polyspermous. Besides these points of
affinity, Caprifoliaceae probably tend towards Umbelliferae through Sambu-
cineae.
The following are the characters of the sections, if they be sections, of this
order :
1. Lonicere^e. The Honeysuckle Tribe.
Lonicereae, Ach. Rich. EUm. de la Bot. ed. 4. 484. (1828). — Caprifoliere, Dec.
and Dubij, 244. (1828.)
Corolla tubular. Berry 2- to 4-celled, with 1 or many-seeded cells. Style
1. Leaves opposite.
205
True Caprifoliacese are said by Mr. Brown to be distinguished from the other
genera hitherto associated with them, in the raphe being on the outer instead of
inner side of the ovulum. Brown in IValluh. PI. As. p. 15.
Examples. Caprifolium, Lonicera, Linnaea, Abelia, Triosteum, Diervilla,
Schopfia.
2. Sambucine.e. The Elder Tribe.
Sambucineae, A. Rich, Diet, Class. 3. 173. (1823); Dec. and Duby, 244.
(1828) ; Link Handb. 1. 662. (1829.)
Corolla rotate. Ovarium 3- or 4-celled, with solitary pendulous ovules.
Styles 3 or 4. Flowers in cymes, the lateral ones often radiant. Leaves op-
posite.
These pass into Lonicereas through Viburnum davuricum, which has the
tubular corolla of a Lonicera, and into Hydrangeaceas through the radiant-
flowered species of Viburnum. With Hedera they are connected through
Comus.
Examples. Viburnum, Sambucus.
3. Hederace^e. The Ivy Tribe.
Hederacese, Ach. Rich, Bot. Med. 2. 449. (1823) ; Dec. and Duby, 244.
(1828).— [Cornea;, Dec. Prod. 4. 271. (1830) in part.]
Corolla polypetalous. Disk epigynous. Style 1. Drupe or berry with
1-seeded cells. Leaves opposite or alternate.
• Ach. Richard considers this a distinct order, on account of its polypetalous
corolla and epigynous disk.
Examples. Hedera, Comus. [Hedera is placed in Araliaceos by Decan-
dolle.]
4. Hydrangeace^e. [Saxifrageee, tribe 4. Dec. Prod. 4. 13.] The Hydran-
gea Tribe.
Corolla polypetalous. Style 2 to 5. Fruit succulent or capsular, 2- to
5-celled, many-seeded. Leaves opposite. Flowers in cymes, the lateral ones
often radiant.
The characters of this tribe are so strongly marked as to justify its being
established as an independent order ; but the habit of the species is so entirely
that of Viburnum, that I am not willing to separate them without absolute
necessity. There is a remarkable resemblance between their seeds and those
of Begonia.
Examples. Hydrangea, Adamia.
Geography. Natives of the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America,
passing downwards within the limits of the tropics ; found very sparingly in
northern Africa, and almost unknown in the southern hemisphere.
Properties. The fragrance and beauty of plants of the Honeysuckle tribe
have been the theme of many a poet's song ; but independently of such recom-
mendations, they possess properties of considerable interest. Their bark is ge-
nerally astringent ; that of Lonicera corymbosa is used for dyeing black in
Chile. The flowers of the Elder are fragrant and sudorific, its leaves foetid,
emetic, and a drastic purgative ; qualities which are also possessed by the
Honeysuckle itself, and the fruit of the Ivy. The fruit of the Viburnum is
destitute of these properties, but has, instead, an austere astringent pulp, which
becomes eatable after fermentation, and is made into a sort of cake by the
North American Indians. Cornus mascula, or the Cornel tree, yields a fruit
which is sometimes eaten, but which does not deserve much praise. The
bark of Cornus florida and Cornus sericea is stated by Barton to be worthy of
ranking among the best tonics of North America ; nothing having been found
in the United States that so effectually answers the purpose of the Peruvian bark
206
in the management of intermittent fevers. Barton, 1. 51. It is a remarkable
fact, that the young branches of Cornus florida, stripped of their bark and
rubbed with their ends against their teeth, render them extremely white. Ibid.
From the bark of the more fibrous roots the Indians obtain a good scarlet
colour. Ibid. 1. 120. Triosteum perfoliatum is a mild cathartic; in large
doses it produces vomiting. Its dried and roasted berries have been used as a
substitute for Coffee. Ibid. 1. 63.
Examples. See above.
CXCII. LORANTHE.E.
Loranthejj, Juss. and Rich. Ann. Mus. 12.292. (1S08) ; Dec. and Duby, 246. (1828); Lindl.
Synops. 133. (1829.) [Dec. Prod. 4. 276. (1830.)]
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with an inferior 1-celled ovarium,
a single pendulous ovulum, a naked stigma, and stamens opposite the lobes of
the corolla.
Anomalies. Sometimes polypetalous.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, with 2 bractcse at the base. Corolla with 4 or 8
petals, more or less united at the base. Stamens equal in number to the petals, and opposite
to them. Ovarium 1-celled ; ovulum pendulous ; s/y/e 1 or none ; stigma simple. Fruit suc-
culent, 1-celled. Seeds solitary, pendulous; testa membranous; embryo cylindrical, longer
than the fleshy albumen ; radicle naked, clavate, superior. — Parasitical half-shrubby
plants. Leaves opposite, sometimes alternate, veinless, fleshy, without stipul». Flowers often
monoecious, axillary or terminal, solitary, corymbose, or spiked.
Affinities. Very near Caprifoliacere, from which they are readily known
not only by their universally parasitical habit, but also by their stamens being
opposite the lobes of the corolla, and not alternate with them. Viscum seems
to bear about the same relation to Loranthus that Cornus does to Lonicerea^.
Mr. Don has expressed an opinion that a connexion is established between this
order and Araliacea?, by means of Aucuba (Jameson's Jour. Jan. 1830, p.
168) ; but this does not seem clearly made out. Mr. Brown (Flinders, 549)
suggests their relation to Proteacere. The anther of Viscum is remarkable for
having its substance broken up into a number of hollow cavities containing
pollen, and not divided regularly into 2 lobes, each of which has a cavity con-
taining pollen, and a longitudinal line of dehiscence. A good figure of this will
be found in the Ann. du Museum, vol. 12. t. 27. fig. E. The germination of
Viscum is exceedingly remarkable. It has afforded a subject for some curious
experiments upon the nature of the vital energies of vegetables. See Dulro-
chet sur la Motility, 1 14.
Geography. Judging from the collections of systematic botanists, it would
appear that the tropics of America contain a greater number of species than all
the rest of the world ; but we now know, from the extensive researches of Dr.
Wallich, that the Flora of India contains at least as large a proportion : the or-
der would therefore seem to be equally dispersed through the equinoctial regions
of both Asia and America ; but on the continent of Africa to be much more
rare, only 2 having been yet described from equinoctial Africa, and 5 or 6 from
the Cape of Good Hope. Two are named from the South Seas, and 1 from
New Holland : but this number requires, no doubt, to be largely increased.
Properties. The bark is usually astringent, as in the Misletoe of the Oak.
Tne berries contain a viscid matter like birdlime, which is insoluble in water
and alcohol. The most remarkable quality that they possess, however, is the
207
power of rooting in the wood of other plants, at whose expense they live. The
habits of the common Misletoe give an idea of those of all, except that in the
genus Loranthus the corolla is tubular and usually richly coloured with scarlet.
Examples. Loranthus, Viscum.
CXCIII. POTALIACEiE.
PoTALiiiiE, Martius N. G. et Sp. 2, 91. and 133. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior simple ovarium,
regular flowers, peltate sessile seeds, and a corolla with contorted convolute
segments which are unequal to the number of lobes of the calyx.
Anomalies.
Essential CHARACTER.^-Catyr inferior, with 4, 5, or 6 partitions. Corolla regular, with"
from 5 to 10 divisions, which are therefore not symmetrical with the segments of the calyx ;
the aestivation contorted, convolute. Stamens arising from the corolla, all upon the same line ;
pollen simple, elliptical. Ovarium superior; style continuous; sligm a simple. Fruit succu-
lent, with from 2 to 4 cells, and central placentae. Seeds numerous, peltate ; testa double ;
embryo supposed by Von Martius to be hetcrotropous (that is, to have its radicle not turned to-
wards the hilum), lying in cartilaginous albumen. — Trees or shrubs, quite smooth. Leaves
opposite, entire, united by interpetiolar sheathing stipulae. Mowers terminal, with bracteaj
in panicles or corymbs.
Affinities. According to Von Martius, this lies between Loganiea: and
Apocynea?. Its chief characteristics are the inequality of the segments of the
calyx and corolla and the stamens, and a 4-lobed placenta, which produces in
Fagraea obovata, according to Dr. Wallich, a 4- celled berry. With that part
of Apocyneaa to which Strychnos belongs they very nearly agree, differing prin-
cipally in the above-mentioned character, the aestivation of the calyx, and the
embryo not being foliaceous, agreeing in their peltate seeds and corneous albu-
men.
Geography. Natives of the tropics of Africa, America, and India.
Properties. An infusion of the leaves of Potalia resinifera is slightly mu-
cilaginous and astringent, and is used in Brazil as a lotion for inflamed eyes.
Von Martius, 2. 90. Potalia amara is bitter like the Gentians, and acrid and
emetic like Apocyneae. Dec. Prodr. J\l£d. 217.
Examples. Potalia, Fagraea, Anthocleista.
CXCIV. LOGANIACE.E.
Loganieje, R. Brown in Flinders, (1814) ; Von Martius N. Gen. et Sp. PL 2. 133. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
2-celled ovarium, convolute corolla, and opposite leaves with interpetiolar sti-
pules.
Anomalies. Stipulae absent in some Loganias.
Essential Character. — Calyx inferior, 5-parted. Corolla regular or irregular, with con-
volute aestivation. Stamens arising from the corolla, all placed upon the same line, 5 or 1
therefore not always symmetrical with the divisions of the corolla; pollen with 3 bands. Ova-
208
rium snperior, 2-celled; style continuous ; stigma simple. Fruit either capsular and 2-ceDed
with placenta finally becoming loose; or drupaceous, with 1- or 2-seeded stones. Seeds pel-
tate, wit h a finely reticulated integument, sometimes winged ; albumen fleshy or cartilaginous ;
embryo with the radicle turned towards the hilum.— Shrubs, herbaceous plants, or trees, heaves
opposite, entire, usually with stipula which are combined in the form of interpetiolary sheaths.
Flowers racemose, corymbose, or solitary.
Affinities. It is not clear, from the remarks upon Logania by Mr. Brown
in his Prodromus, whether he intended to establish this order or not. He
states that he has placed Logania at the end of Gentianea;, on account of some
affinity between it and Exacum and Mitrasacme, and also because it does not
answer ill to the artificial character of that order ; adding that it, however,
might have a still closer connexion with Apocynese and with Usteria among
Rubiaceee (Cinchonacese.) He further points out the close relation of Genios-
toma to Logania, and concludes by inquiring whether those 2 genera do not,
with Anasser, Fagreea, and Usteria, form an order intermediate between Apo-
cyneae and Rubiacese. This view has been adopted by Von Martius, with
the exception of Fagraa, which he places among his Potalieae ; he founds the
distinction of the order upon the want of symmetry between the parts of the
calyx, corolla, and stamens, upon the aestivation of the corolla being convolute>
not contorted, and in the presence of stipulee combined in interpetiolary sheaths.
Geography. Found in tropical India and Africa, and in the temperate
parts of New Holland.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Lo°;ania, Gcertneria, Pagamea.
CXCV. ASCLEPIADEiE.
Apocyneje, Juss. Gen. 143.(1789) in part; Dec. and Duby Bot. Gall. 323. (1828).— Asclepia-
deje, R. Brownin Wern. Trans. 1. 12. (1809) ; Prodr. 458. (1810.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior double ovarium,
the apex of which is connected by a common tabular dilated stigma, regular
fiowers, waxy pollen, and contorted corolla.
Anomalies. Periploca and some others have granular pollen. Corolla
vilvate in Leptadenia.
Essential Character. — Calyx 5-dividcd, persistent. Corolla monopetalous, hypogynons,
5-lobed, regular, with imbricated, very seldom valvular, aestivation, deciduous. Stamens 5
inserted into the base of the corolla, alternate with the segments of the limb. Filaments
usually connate. Anthers 2-celled, sometimes almost 4-cellcd in consequence of their disse-
piments being nearly complete. Pollen at the period of the dehiscence of the anther cohe-
ring in masses, cither equal to the number of the cells, or occasionally cohering in pairs and
svicking to 5 processes of" the stigma either by twos, or fours, or singly. Ovaria 2. Styles 2,
closely approaching each other, often very short. Stigma common to both styles, dilated,
5-cornered, with corpusculiferous angles. Follicles 2, 1 of which is sometimes abortive. Pla-
centa attached to the suture, finally separating. Seeds numerous, imbricated, pendulous,
almost always comose at the hilum. Albumen thin. Embryo straight. Cotyledons foliace-
ous. Radicle superior. Plumida inconspicuous. — Shrubs, or occasionally herbaceous plants,
almost always milky, and often twining. Lcarcs entire, opposite, sometimes alternate, or
■whorled, having cilia; between their petioles in lieu of stipulaj. Flowers somewhat umbelled,
fascicled, or racemose, proceeding from between the petioles. R. Br.
Affinities. So closely are these plants allied to Apocynese, that the affi-
nities of the one are precisely the same as those of the other ; I shall there-
fore, in this place, speak of the difference between those two orders, and of the
peculiarities of that more immediately under consideration. Mr. Brown, who
distinguishes them, admits (Flinders, 564) that they differ solely in the pecu-
209
liar character of their reproductive apparatus ; but this is of so unusual a kind
in Asclepiadeae, that it justifies a deviation from the general rule, that orders
cannot be established upon solitary characters. In Apocyneae the stamens are
distinct, the pollen powdery (that is to say, in the ordinary state), the stigma
capitate and thickened, but not particularly dilated, and all these parts distinct
the one from the other. But in Asclepiadese the whole of the reproductive ap-
paratus is consolidated into a single body, the centre of which is occupied by a
broad disk-like stigma, and the grains of pollen cohere in the shape of waxy
bodies attached finally to the 5 corners of this stigma, to which they adhere by
the intervention of peculiar glands. For a long time this structure was mis-
understood ; but Mr. Brown, in a dissertation in the Transactions of the Wer-
nerian Society, placed its true nature beyond doubt. I subjoin the explanation
given by this celebrated botanist, who thus describes the flower of Asclepias
syriaca :
"The flower-bud of this plant I first examined, while the unexpanded
corolla was yet green and considerably shorter than the calyx. At this period
the gland-like bodies which afterwards occupy the angles of the stamen were
absolutely invisible ; the furrows of its angles were extremely slight, and, like
the body of the stigma, green ; the antherae, however, were distinctly formed,
easily separable from the stigma, and their cells, which were absolutely shut,
were filled with a turbid fluid, the parts of which did not so cohere as to sepa-
rate in a mass ; of the cuculli, which in the expanded flower are so remarka-
ble, and constitute the essential character of the genus, there was no ap-
pearance.
"In the next stage submitted to examination, where the corolla nearly
equalled the calyx in length, the gland-like bodies of the stigma were become
visible, and consisted of 2 nearly filiform, fight brown, parallel, contiguous, and
membranaceous substances, secreted by the sides of the furrow, which was
now somewhat deeper. Instead of the filiform processes, a gelatinous matter
occupied an obliquely descending depression proceeding from towards the base
of each side of the angular furrow.
" In a somewhat more advanced stage, the membranes which afterwards
become glands of the stigma were found to be linear, closely approximated,
and to adhere at their upper extremity. At the same time the gelatinous
substance in the oblique depression had acquired a nearly membranaceous
texture and a light brown colour ; and on separating the gland from its fur-
row, which was then practicable, this membrane followed it. At this period,
too, the contents of each cell of the anthera had acquired a certain degree
of solidity, a determinate form, and were separable from the cell in one mass ;
the cuculli were also observable, but still very small and green, nearly scutelli-
form, having a central papilla, the rudiment of the future horn-like process.
Immediately previous to the bursting of the cells of the antherae, which takes
place a little before the expansion of the corolla, the cuculli are completely
formed, and between each, a pair of minute, light green, fleshy teeth are
observable, the single teeth of each pair being divided from each other by the
descending alse of the antherae. The glands of the stigma have acquired a
form between elliptical and rhomboidal, a cartilaginous texture, and a brown-
ish black colour ; they are easily separable from the secreting furrow, and on
their under surface there is no appearance of a suture, or any indication of their
having originally consisted of two distinct parts : along with them separate
also the descending processes, which are compressed, membranous, and light
brown ; their extremity, which is still unconnected, being more gelatinous,
but not perceptibly thickened. The pollen has acquired the yellow colour, and
the degree of consistence which it afterwards retains. On the bursting of the
cells, the gelatinous extremity of each descending process becomes firmly
37
210
united with the upper attenuated end of the corresponding mass of pollen.
The parts are then in that condition in which they have been commonly
examined, and are exhibited in the figures of Jacquin, who, having seen them
only in this state, naturally considered these plants as truly gynandrous,
regarding the masses of pollen as the antherae, originating in ihe glands of the
stigma, and merely immersed in the open cells of the genuine antheras, which
he calls antheriferous sacs ; an opinion in which he has been followed by Rott-
bcell, Kcelreuter, Cavanilles, Smith, and Desfontaines. The conclusion to be
drawn from the observations now detailed is sufficiently obvious ; but it is
necessary to remark, that these observations do not entirely apply to all the
plants which I have referred to the Asclepiadeag ; some of them, especially
Periploca, having a granular pollen, applied in a very different manner to the
glands of the stigma : they all, however, agree in having pollen coalescing
into masses, which are fixed or applied to processes of the stigma, in a deter-
minate manner ; and this is, in fact, the essential character of the order. Dr.
Smith, in the second edition of his valuable Introduction to Botany, has noticed
my opinion on this subject ; but, probably from an indistinctness in the commu-
nication, which took place in conversation, has stated it in a manner some-
what different from what I intended to convey to him ; for, according to his
statement, the pollen is projected on the stigma. The term projection, how-
ever, seems to imply some degree of impetus, and at the same time presents
the idea of something indeterminate respecting the part to which the body so
projected may be applied. But nothing can be more constant than the man-
ner in which the pollen is attached to the processes of the stigma in each
species."
This order is one of those which contain indifferently what are called suc-
culent plants, and such as are in the usual state of other plants ; this excessive
developement of the cellular tissue of the stem, and reduction of that of the
leaves, is in its greatest degree in Stapelia and Ceropegia ; it is diminished in
Dischidia, the succulence of which is confined to the leaves ; and it almost
disappears in Hoya, the stem of which is in the usual state, but the leaves
between fleshy and leathery.
Geography. Africa must be considered as the great field of Asclepiadese,
especially its southern point, where vast numbers of the succulent species
occupy the dry and sterile places of that remarkable country. In tropical
India and New Holland, and in all the Equinoctial parts of America, they all
abound. Two genera only are found in northern latitudes, one of which, As-
clepias, abounds in species, and is confined apparently to the eastern side of
North America ; the other, Cynanchum, is remarkable for extending from 59°
north latitude, to 32° south latitude.
Properties. The roots are generally acrid and stimulating, whence some
of them act as emetics, as Cyanchum tomentosum and Periploca emetica ;
others are diaphoretic and sudorific, as the purgative Asclepias decumbens,
which has the singular property of exciting general perspiration without in-
creasing in any perceptible degree the heat of the body ; it is constantly used
in Virginia against pleurisy. Dec. Their milk is usually acrid and bitter, and
is always to be suspected, although it probably participates in a slight degree
only in the poisonous qualities of that of Apocynere, if we can judge from the
use of some species as articles of food. Asclepias lactifera is said to yield so
sweet and copious a milk, that the Indians use it for aliment ; and Pergularia
edulis, Periploca esculenta, Asclepias aphylla and stipitacea, are all reported to
be eatable. Dec. The Cow Plant of Ceylon, or Kiriaghuna plant, Gymnema
lactiferum, yields a milk of which the Cingalese make use for food ; its leaves
are also used when boiled. But very little is known about the real qualities of
such plants. The root and tender stalks of Asclepias volubilis L. sicken and
211
excite expectoration. Ainslie, 2. 155. Asclepias tuberosa, or Butterfly weed,
is a popular remedy in the United States for a variety of disorders; its properties
seem to be those of a mild cathartic, and of a certain diaphoretic attended with
no inconsiderable expectorant effect. Barton, 1. 244. The root of Diplolepis
vomitoria has a bitterish and somewhat nauseous taste. The Indian doctors
prize it for its expectorant and diaphoretic qualities. It possesses virtues some-
what similar to those of Ipecacuanha, and has been found an extremely useful
medicine in dysenteric complaints. Ainslie, 2. 84. A decoction of Asclepias
curassavica is said to be efficacious in gleets and fluor albus. Lunan, 1. 64.
The root and bark, and especially the inspissated milk, of Calotropis gigantea,
the Akund, Yercum, or Mudar plant of India, is a powerful alterative and pur-
gative ; it is especially in cases of leprosy, elephantiasis, intestinal worms, and
venereal affections, that it has been found important. A variety of cases are
mentioned in books upon Indian medicine ; and there seems no doubt that this
will form one of the most important of all the articles of the Materia Medica.
See, for information upon this point, JLinslie's Materia Medica, 1. 486. ; Trans,
of the Med. Chir. Soc. vol. 10. ; Edinb. Med. Chir. Trans. 1. 414.
Examples. Asclepias, Cynanchum, Stapelia, Pergularia, Gomphocarpus,
Caralluma.
CXCVI. APOCYNE.E.
ApocynEjE, Juss. Gen. 143. (1789) in part; R. Brawn Prodr. 465. (1810); Lindl. Synops. 176.
(1829).— Contorts, Z/nm.— Strychneje, Dec. Theorie, ed. 1. 217. (1813).— Vinceje, Dec.
and Duby Bot. Gall. 324. (1828), a § of Apocyneae. Strychnaceje, Blume Bijdr. 1018.
(1826); LinkHandb. 1.439. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior double ovarium,
the apex of which is connected by a common simple stigma, regular flowers,
powdery pollen, and a contorted corolla.
Anomalies. Corolla valvate in Gardneria. Leaves subalternate in succu-
lent species.
Essential Character. — Calyx divided in 5, persistent. Corolla monopetalous, hypogy-
nous, regular, 5-lobed, with contorted aestivation, deciduous. Stamens 5, arising from the
corolla, with whose segments they are alternate. Filaments distinct. Anthers 2-celled, open-
ing lengthwise. Pollen granular, globose, or 3-lobed, immediately applied to the stigma.
Ovaria2, or 1 2-celled, polyspermous. Styles 2 or 1. Stigma 1. Fruit a follicle, capsule, or
drupe, or berry, double or single. Seeds with fleshy or cartilaginous albumen ; testa simple ;
embryo foliaceous; plumida inconspicuous ; radicle turned towards the hilum. — Trees or
shrubs, usually milky. Lcares opposite, sometimes whorlcd, seldom scattered, quite entire,
often having cilia? or glands upon the petioles, but with no stipulae. Inflorescence tending to
corymbose.
Affinities. These are strongest with Asclepiadeae, in which they have
already been discussed ; otherwise they lie between Cinchonacere and Gentia-
neffi. From Cinchonacea? they are distinguished by their superior ovarium,
contorted flowers, and absence of stipula; ; in room of which are, however,
sometimes produced certain cilire, or other appendages of the petiole, which the
inexperienced observer may mistake for stipule. The same characters divide
them from Gentianere ; and I think the combination of these peculiarities is suf-
ficient to destroy all doubt about the limits of any of these orders. From Pota-
liese and Loganieae they are distinguished almost entirely by the perfect sym-
metry of the calyx, corolla, and stamens, and the want of true stipulae.
212
I agree with Von Martins, Brown, and other botanists, who consider Strych-
neae a mere section of Apocyneee, rather than a distinct order : it differs chiefly
in its peltate naked seeds and simple succulent fruit. In consequence of its
ciliated petioles, I am unwilling to refer Gardneria to Loganieee.
Plumieria is the most succulent genus of the order.
Geography. Natives of nearly the same localities as Asclepiadeee, with
the exception that they are less abundant at the Cape of Good Hope.
Properties. Not very different from those of Asclepiadese, but perhaps
rather more suspicious. The order contains species with the same purgative,
the same acrid, the same febrifugal qualities. The bark of Cerbera Manghas
is purgative ; that of Echites antidysenterica is astringent and febrifugal. The
leaves of Nerium Oleander contain an abundance of gallic acid ; the Vahea of
Madagascar and Urceola elastica a notable quantity of caoutchouc. The fruit
of the succulent-fruited genera is emetic ; and yet that of Carissa edulis is eaten
in Nubia. Delile Cent. 11. The bark of the root and the sweet-smelling
leaves of Nerium odorum are considered by the native Indian doctors as power-
ful repellents, applied externally. The root, taken internally, acts as a poison.
Ainslie, 2. 23. It would seem, from an examination by Mr. Arnott of flower-
buds of a milk-tree called Hya-hya in Demerara, that this remarkable vegeta-
ble production belongs to this order. It is described by Mr. Smith, its Euro-
pean discoverer, to yield a copious stream of thick, rich, milky fluid, destitute of
all acrimony, and only leaving a slight clamminess upon the lips. A tree which
was felled on the banks of a small stream had completely whitened the water
in an hour or two. Mr. Arnott calls it Tabernffimontana utilis. Jameson's
Journal, Ap. 1830. The milk has been analyzed by Dr. Christison, who finds
it to consist of a small proportion of caoutchouc, and a large proportion of a
substance possessing in some respects peculiar properties, which appear to place
it intermediate between caoutchouc and the resins : it probably, therefore, has
no nutritive qualities. Ed. JV*. Ph. Joum. June 1830, p. 34. The Cream fruit
of Sierra Leone belongs here ; birdlime is obtained in Madagascar from the
Voacanga ; and the caoutchouc of Sumatra is produced by the genus Urceola.
Brown in Congo, 449. The root of Plumeria obtusa is used as a cathartic in
Java. Ainslie, 2. 137. The Conessi Bark of the British Materia Medica, the
Palapatta of the Hindoos on the Malabar coast, is the produce of Wrightia an-
tidysenterica : it is a valuable tonic and febrifuge. On the Coromandel side of
India it seems chiefly to be given in dysenteric affections. The milky juice of
the tree is used as a vulnerary. Ibid. 1. 88. The Wrightia tinctoria is ex-
tremely valuable as a dyer's plant,- the blue colour it yields equalling Indigo.
The Sarsaparilla of India is chiefly the root of Periploca indica : a decoction of
it is prescribed by European practitioners in cutaneous diseases, scrofula, and
venereal affections. Ibid. 1. 382. An infusion of the leaves of Allamanda ca-
thartica is a valuable cathartic. Ibid. 2. 9. The leaves of Cynanchum Argel
are used in Egypt for adulterating Senna. A powerful poison is yielded by the
kernel of the Tanghin tree of Madagascar, (Cerbera Tanghin,) a single seed
being sufficient to destroy twenty persons : see the Botanical Magazine, folio
2968, for an excellent account of this plant. The Strychnos colubrina is used
in Java in intermittent fever, and as an anthelmintic. According to Horsfield,
the Malays prepare from it an excellent bitter tincture. Virey says, in an
over-dose it occasions tremors and vomiting. Ainslie, 2. 203. The St. Igna-
tius's bean, (Strychnos St. Ignatii,) called Papeeta in India, is prescribed by
the native practitioners of India in cholera with success : it is mixed with Je-
hiree or Durreoaye Narriol (Cocos maldivica.) If given in over-dose, vertigo
and convulsions come on ; but they are easily cured by lemonade drank largely.
Trans. M. and P. S. Calc. 3. 432. The seeds of Strychnos Nux vomica are
well known, under the latter name, for containing a dangerous narcotic pro-
2(3
perty, which modern chemists have ascertained to depend upon the presence
of a peculiar principle called strychnia. Small quantities of the extract have
been given with uncertain success in cases of mania, gout, epilepsy, hysteria,
and dysentery, and also in paraplegia and hemiplegia, .'liiistie, 1.321. This
strychnia is one of the most violent poisons hitherto discovered : its energy is
so great, that half a grain blown into the throat of a rabbit, occasioned death
in the course of five minutes. Its operation is always accompanied with symp-
toms of locked jaw and other tetanic affections. Turner, 651. A peculiar acid,
called by MM. Pelleticr and Caventou the Igasuric acid, occurs in combination
with strychnia in nux vomica and the St. Ignatius bean ; but its existence, as
different from all other known acids, is doubtful. Ibid. 641. It is remarkable
that one of the most valuable febrifuges of Brazil belongs to this order. The
bark of the Strychnos Pseudo-quina is fully equal to Cinchona in curing inter-
mittent fevers ; it appears to possess some of the dangerous properties of nux
vomica ; but according to the analysis of Vauquelin, it contains no strychnia
whatever. PL Usuelles, no. 1. The pulp of the fruit of S. pseudo-quina, and
even of S. nux vomica, is eaten without inconvenience. Ibid. no. 1. M. Cail-
liaud found a species of Strychnos in Nubia, the fruit of which is sweet and not
unwholesome ; and M. Delile remarks, that the venomous species are always
bitter. Delile Cent. 11.
Examples. Nerium, Wrightia, Apocjmum, Tabemaemontana, Cerbera,
Carissa, Gardneria.
CXCVII. GENTIANEiE. The Gentian Tribe.
Gen-tiane.k, Juss. Gen. 141. (1789) ; R. Brown Prodr. 449. (1810) ; Lindl. Synops. 177.(1829);
Von Martius Nov. Gen. cf-c. 2. 132. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous bitter dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a su-
perior 1- or 2-celled ovarium, an imbricated withering corolla, indefinite seeds,
capsular fruit, and opposite exstipulate entire leaves.
Anomalies. Menyanthes and Villarsia have alternate leaves.
Essential Character. — Calyx monophyllous, divided, inferior, persistent. . Corolla mono-
petalous, hypogynous, usually regular, withering' or deciduous; the limb divided, equal, its
lobes of the same number as those of the calyx, generally 5, sometimes 4, 6, 8, or 10, with an
imbricated twisted aestivation. Stamens inserted upon the corolla, all in the same line, equal
in number to the segments, and alternate with them ; some of them occasionally abortive.
Pollen 3-lobed or triple. Ovarium single, 1- or 2-celled, many-seeded. Style 1, continuous ;
stigmas 1 or 2. Capsule or berry many-seeded, with 1 or 2 cells, generally 2-valved ; the mar-
fins of the valves turned inwards, and in the genera with 1 cell, bearing the seeds; in the
-celled genera inserted into a central placenta. Seeds small ; testa single; embryo straight
in the axis of soft fleshy albumen ; radicle next the hilum. — Herbaceous plants, seldom shrubs,
generally smooth. Leaves opposite, entire, without stipuls, sessile, or having their petioles
confluent in a little sheath. Flowers terminal or axillary.
Affinities. Very near Apocynere, from which they differ in their herba-
ceous habit, withering corolla, entire ovarium, imbricated, not contorted, aesti-
vation, want of milk, and capsular fruit without naked seeds. Mr. Brown re-
marks, that this order is better known by its habit than by any particular
character ; being, on the one hand, allied to Polemoniacese and Scrophulari-
neae, from the latter of which it is distinguished by its regular flowers, the
stamens of which are equal tothe lobes of the corolla, and from the former by
the dehiscence of the capsule and the placentation of the seeds ; and on the
214
other hand, to certain Apocyneae. From Scrophularineae it is frequently
difficult to distinguish this order, especially if the flowers are absent ; Loga-
nieas and Spigeliaceas are also very closely allied. For remarks on the three
last, see those orders respectively. Von Martius, however, points out some
differences between Gentianeae and Scrophularineae, and their allies, which will
further assist in distinguishing them. No Gentianeae, except Taenia, have a
hypogynous disk ; and the two carpellary leaves of which the fruit is formed
are lateral, or right and left with respect to the common axis of the inflorescence,
their placental being consequently anterior and posterior; but in Scrophularineae,
Gesnere33, Bignoniaceas, Acanthacere, and their allies, a hypogynous disk is very
common in the shape of a fleshy ring, or of glands, or teeth, and the two carpel-
lary leaves are anterior and posterior, the dissepiment being consequently in the
same transverse line as separates the upper from the lower lip. Menyanthes
and Villarsia are probably the type of a small order distinguished by their alter-
nate and sometimes compound toothed leaves, the characters of which are still
to trace. Von Martius excludes them absolutely ; Mr. Brown places them at
the end of the order, along with Anopterus, which seems to be distinct both
from Gentianeae and Menyanthes ; it will be seen, further on, that their pro-
perties are absolutely the same as those of Gentianeae.
Geography. A numerous order of herbaceous plants, extending over
almost all parts of the world, from the regions of perpetual snow upon the sum-
mits of the mountains of Europe, to the hottest sands of South America and
India. They, however, do not appear in the Flora of Melville Island ; but they
form part of that of the Straits of Magellan.
Properties. The intense bitterness of the Gentian is a characteristic of
the whole order ; it resides both in their stems and roots, and renders them tonic,
stomachic, and febrifugal ; and it is very remarkable that there are no excep-
tions to these properties in the whole order, as it is now limited. The principal
enumerated by Decandolle are, Gentiana lutea, employed in France and Eng-
land ; G. rubra, substituted for it in Germany ; G. purpurea in Norway ; G.
amarella, campestris, cruciata, Chlora perfoliata, G. peruviana, called Cachen
in Peru, G. Chirita, the famous stomachic of the East Indies, and Coutoubea
alba and purpurea. The root of Gentiana lutea, notwithstanding its bitterness,
contains a considerable proportion of sugar : it is, on this account, sometimes
manufactured into brandy, for which purpose it is exported from some parts of
Switzerland. Menyanthes trifoliata and Villarsia nymphoides are bitter, tonic,
and febrifugal ; and the same has been remarked of Villarsia ovata. Essai
JVfed. 216. Sabbatia angularis is held in estimation in North America for its
pure bitter, tonic, and stomachic virtues. Barton, 1. 259. The root of Fra-
zera Walteri is a pure, powerful, and excellent bitter, destitute of aroma. It is
accounted in North America not inferior to the Gentian or Columbo of their
shops. Inks recent state it is said to possess considerable emetic and earthar-
tic powers. Ibid. 2. 109. The roots of Lisianthus pendulus are used by the
Brazilians in decoction as a febrifuge : they are intensely bitter. Tachia guia-
nensis exudes little yellow drops of pellucid resin from the axillae of the leaves ;
its bitter root is used as a febrifuge. Von JVLarlius.
Examples. Gentiana, Chironia, Sabbatia, Coutoubea.
215
CXCVIII. SPIGELIACEiE. The Wormseed Tribe.
SpigeliacejE, Martius, N. G. et Sp. 2. 132. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
2 -celled ovarium, several ovules, a valvate corolla, dry fruit, and opposite
leaves.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx inferior, regularly 5-partcd. Corolla regular, with 51obea,
which have a valvate aestivation. Stamens 5, inserted into the corolla all in the same line ;
pollen 3-cornercd, with globular angles. Ovarium superior, 2-celled ; style articulated with
it, inserted ; siigma simple. Fruit capsular, 2-celled, 2-valved, the valves turned inwards at
the margin and separating from the central placenta. Seeds several, small ; testa single ;
embryo very minute, lying in copious fleshy albumen, with the radicle next the hilum. — Her-
baceous plants or undcr-shrubs. heaves opposite, entire, with stipula:, or a tendency to pro-
duce them. Flowers arranged in 1-sided spikes. Pubescence simple or stellate.
Affinities. This order was founded by Dr. Von Martius, from whose
splendid work upon the Brazilian Flora I extract the following remarks :
" There are many reasons for separating Spigelia from Gentians ; and I am
the more disposed to attend to those reasons, from seeing daily instances of the
necessity of establishing new orders, to avoid weakening the characters of old
ones. For example, Aquilarineae, Datisceae, Hamamelideaa, and other orders,
constructed upon a few species, are so many instances of this practice, by which
the science is both embellished and strengthened by our most skilful botanists.
With regard to Spigelia, if we retain it among Gentianeae, I do not know how
we are to distinguish that order with certainty from those in its neighbourhood ;
for this genus approaches Scrophularinese in the division of the two valves of
the fruit, and in the central, not parietal, origin of the placentae ; and Rubiaceee
in the insertion of the style into the ovarium, and the distention of the petiole
into the form of a stipula. Scrophularineae are, indeed, so nearly related to
Gentianeae, that the best botanists have admitted that there are scarcely any
marks of distinction between them, besides the regular number of the stamens
of the latter, and the simplicity of the valves of the capsule." (The position
of the pericarpial leaves with relation to the axis of inflorescence, is now known to
be acertain mark of distinction between Gentianeae and Scrophularineae.) "Some
may possibly adduce the irregularity of the corolla of Scrophularinese, and the ori-
gin of the placenta? from the mere inflexion of the valves of the capsule in Gen-
tianeae; but it must be remembered, that there are certain genera of Scrophu-
larineae, such as Limnophila, Xuaresia, Ourisia, and Veronica, the corolla of
which is regular or nearly so ; and that certain Gentianeae, for instance Exacum
and Schubleria,have several placentas, which, although deriving theirorigin from
the inflexion of the valves of the capsule, yet become loose and more or less
distinct. Others may refer to the aestivation as another source of differences,
it being in Gentianeae, on account of the lateral and somewhat contorted
twisting of the nearly equal segments, contorted-convolutive, and in Scrophulari-
neae, on account of the involution of the unequal segments towards the centre
of the flower, merely imbricated ; but these differences, on account of the dif-
ferent forms of the corolla in these extensive orders, are scarcely distinguisha-
ble, and are more available in the theory than in practice. Besides, in Spige-
lia the aestivation is different from either, being valvate, with the margins of the
segments often protruding into acute angles, and is more like that of Rubia-
ceee (Cinchonaceae). It must be admitted, that while the seeds of Gentianeae
are uniformly indefinite, those of Spigelia are definite, or nearly so. Upon all
these considerations, and to avoid confusing the distinctive characters of the
216
orders, I have formed that of Spigeliaceas, the distinction of which will depend
upon the symmetry of the stamens, corolline and calycine segments, the di-
vision of the valves of the capsule, and the presence of stipulee. In this last
point they apjDroach Rubiaceae (Cinchonaceee), as also in a tendency in their
leaves to become whorled, their intruded style, and valvate aestivation ; but dif-
fer in their superior ovarium, and the want of the glandular disk which covers
the apex of the ovarium of Rubiacere (Cinchonaceae) ; so establishing, along
with other things, an affinity between that order and Compositse and Umbelli-
ferffi," &c. &c.
Geography. All American, chiefly natives of the southern hemisphere
within the tropics.
Properties. Spigelia marilandica root is used in North America as a ver-
mifuge : if administered in large doses, it acts powerfully as a cathartic. Its
use is, however, attended occasionally with violent narcotic effects, such as
dimness of sight, giddiness, dilated pupil, spasmodic motions in the muscles of
the eyes, aud even convulsions. Barton, 2. 80..
Example. Spigelia.
CXCIX. CONVOLVULACE^. The Bindweed Tribe.
Convolvuli, Juss. Gen. 133. (1789).— Convolvulaceje, R. Brown Prodr. 481. (1810) ; JLindl.
Synops. 167. (1829)— Cuscctinje, a § of Convolvulaceac, Link Handb. 1. 594. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons with a superior 2-4-celled ovarium,
regular flowers, definite erect ovules, a plaited corolla, and shrivelled cotyle-
dons.
Anomalies. Cuscuta is leafless and has no cotyledons.
Essential Character. — Calyx persistent, in 5 divisions. Corolla monopetalous, hypo-
gynous, regular, deciduous ; the limb 5-lobed, generally plaited. Stamens 5, inserted into
the base of the corolla, and alternate with its segments. Ovarium simple, with 2 or 4 cells,
seldom with 1 ; sometimes in 2 or 4 divisions ; few-seeded ; the ovules definite and erect, when
more than 1 collateral ; style 1, usually divided at the top, sometimes down to the base ; stigmas
obtuse or acute. Disk annular, hypogynous. Capsule with from 1 to 4 cells; the valves
fitting, at their edges, to the angles of a loose dissepiment, bearing the seeds at its base;
sometimes valveless, or dehiscing transversely. Seeds with a small quantity of mucilaginous
albumen ; embryo curved; cotyledons shrivelled; radicle inferior. — Herbaceous plants or shrubs,
usually twining- and milky, smooth, or with a simple pubescence. Leaves alternate, undivided,
or lobed, seldom pinnatifid, with no stipulro. Inflorescence axillary or terminal ; peduncles
1- or many-flowered, the partial ones generally with 2 bracteae.
Affinities. The plaited corolla and climbing habit are the prima facie.
marks of this order, which approaches Cordiaceee in its shrivelled cotyledons,
and through that tribe Boragineaj, with which Falkia agrees in the deeply-
lobed ovarium. Nolana, to be found in Solanea:, would seem to establish a
relationship between Convolvulaceaj and that order also. Polemoniaceae are
known by their loculicidal dehiscence, which in Convolvulaccre is always
opposite the dissepiments. Hydroleoj are characterized by their indefinite
seeds, and taper embryo lying in the midst of fleshy albumen.
Geography. Very abundant in all parts of the tropics, but rare in cold
climates, where a few only are found: they twine round other shrubs, or
creep among the weeds of the sea-shore.
Properties. Their roots abound in an acrid milky juice, which is strongly
purgative; this quality depends upon a peculiar resin, which is the active
principle of the Jalap, the Scammony, and the others whose roots possess
217
similar qualities. Conv. Jalapa produces the real jalap, and C. Scammonia
the scammony ; besides which, C. Turpethum, C. Mechoacanus, sepium,
arvensis, Soldanella, macrorhizus, maritimus, macrocarpus, and probably many
others, may be used with nearly equal advantage. The root of Convolvulus
panduratus is used in the United States as jalap ; its operation is like that of
rhubarb; it is supposed to be also diuretic. Barton, 1.252. The roots of
Conv. florid us and scoparius, and Ipomoea duamoclit, are used as sternuta-
tories ; those of C. Batatas and edulis are useful articles of food : the former
is the common sweet Potato of European gardens. The Cuscutas are
remarkable for becoming parasitical after having originally germinated in the
ground, from which they derive their nourishment until they fix themselves
firmly upon the plant that is finally to maintain them.
Examples. Convolvulus, Evolvulus, Falkia.
CC. POLEMONIACEiE. The Greek Valerian Tribe.
Polemonia, Juss. Gen. 136. (1789).— Polemonide*:, Dec. and Duby. 329. (1828).— Polemoni-
ace«, Lindl. Synops. 168. (1829).— Cob.eace.k, Don in Ed. Ph. Journ. 10. 111. (1824);
Link Handb. 1. 822. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
3-celled ovarium, peltate or ascending ovules, and a pentandrous 5-parted
corolla, with imbricated aestivation.
Anomalies. Cobrea has a climbing habit.
Essential Characteh. — Calyx inferior, monoscpalous, 5-parted, persistent, sometimes
irregular. Corolla regular, 5-lobcd. Stamens 5, inserted into the middle of the tube of the
corolla, and alternate with its segments. Ovarium superior, 3-celled, with a few or many
ovula; style simple; stigma trifid; ovules ascending or peltate. Capsuled celled, 3-valved,
few- or many-seeded, with a loculicidal or septicidal dehiscence ; the valves separating from
the axis. Seeds angular or oval, or winged, often enveloped in mucus, ascending ; embryo
straight in the axis of horny albumen ; radicle inferior ; cotyledons elliptical, foliaceous. — ■
Herbaceous plants, with opposite, or occasionally alternate, compound, or simple leaves;
■stem occasionally climbing.
Affinities. The ternary division of the ovarium connected with the pen-
tandrous corolla and 5-lobed calyx bring this order near Convolvulaceae, from
which the habit, embryo, and corolla, distinguish it ; from Gentianeee, to which
it also approaches, the 3-celled ovarium divides it. It is remarkable for the
blue colour of the pollen, which is usually of that hue, whatever may be the
colour of the corolla. In Collomia linearis I have noticed (in Botanical Regis-
ter, folio 1166,) that the dilatation of the mucous matter in which the seeds are
enveloped, and which, when they are thrown into water forms around them
like a cloud, depends upon the presence of an infinite multitude of exceedingly
delicate and minute spiral vessels, lying coiled up, spire within spire, on the
outside of the testa ; when dry, these vessels are confined upon the surface of
the seed by its mucus, without being able to manifest themselves ; but the
instant water is applied, the mucus dissolves and ceases to counteract the
elasticity of the spiral vessels, which then dart forward at right angles with
the testa, each carrying with it a sheath of mucus, in which it for a long time
remains enveloped as if in a membranous case. I know of no parallel to this,
except in Casuarina, in which the whole of the inside of the testa consists of
minute spiral vessels.
Geography. Very abundant in both North and South America, in tem-
perate latitudes, particularly on the north-west side. It is stated by Dr. Rich-
38
218
ardson, that the most northern limit in North America is 54°, Edin. Phil.
Journ. 12. 209. In Europe and Asia they are much more uncommon. They
are unknown in tropical countries.
Properties. None, or unknown.
Examples. Polemonium, Collomia, Ipomopsis, Cantua, Gilia.
N. B. Mr. Don distinguishes Cobaeaceae from this order ; but the only dif-
ferences of importance between the one and the other consist in the former
having a septicidal dehiscence and climbing habit ; characters, I fear, of too
little moment to be admitted as ordinal distinctions. The characters of Cobae-
aceae, as understood by Mr. Don, are these :
Calyx leafy, 5-cleft, equal. Corolla inferior, campanulate, regular, 5-lobed,
with an imbricate aestivation. Stamens 5, equal, arising from the base of the
corolla ; anthers 2-celled, compressed. Ovarium superior, 3-celled, surrounded
with a fleshy secreting annular disk ; ovules several, ascending ; style simple \
stigma trifid. Fruit capsular, 3-celled, 3-valved, with a septicidal dehiscence \
placenta very large, 3-cornered, in the axis, its angles touching the line of
dehiscence of the pericarpium. Seeds flat, winged, imbricated in a double
row ; their integument mucilaginous ; albumen fleshy ; embryo straight ;
cotyledons leafy ; radicle (according to Don) inferior. — Climbing shrubs.
Leaves alternate, pinnated, their petiole lengthened into a tendril. Flower*
axillary, solitary.
CCI. HYDROLEACE.E.
/?. Broun Prodr. 482. (1810) without a name; Id. in Congo (1818). — Hydboleace.e, Kunth in
Humb. N. G. et Sp. 3. 125. (1818) ; Synops. 2. 234. (1823).— Diapensiace*, Link Handb.
1. 595. (1829), a%of Convolvulaceoe.
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior 2- or 3-celled
ovarium, several styles, indefinite seeds, and a plaited or imbricated corolla.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx 5-parted, inferior, persistent, with imbricated aestivation.
Corolla hypogynous, monopetalous, regular, not always agreeing with the calyx in the num-
ber of its divisions. Stamens arising from the corolla, regular, agreeing in number with the
segments of the calyx ; anthers deeply lobed at the base. Ovarium superior, surrounded by
an annular disk, 2- or 3-celled ; styles 2 or 3 -T stigmas thickened. Fruit capsular, enclosed
in the calyx, 2- rarely 3-cclled, splitting through the middle of the cells ; valves therefore
bearing the dissepiments in their middle ; placenta either single and fungous, or double and
thin. Seeds indefinite, very small ; albumen fleshy, in the axis of which lies a taper, straight
embryo. — Herbaceous plants or undcr-shrubs, sometimes spiny. Leaves alternate, entire, or
lobed, without stipulsa, often covered with glandular or stinging haira. Flowers numerous,
axillary and terminal.
Affinities. Separated from Convolvulacea? by Mr. Brown, on account of
their indefinite seeds, and taper embryo with small flat cotyledons in the midst
of fleshy albumen. To me they appear equally related to Boragineae, with
some of which Wigandia agrees in habit. Also related to Hydrophylleae the
membranous plates lining the tube of the corolla of that order being, according
to Von Martius (JV. G. 2. 138), analogous to the dilated base of the filaments
of Hydroleacete.
Geography. No particular geographical limits can be assigned to this
order. Diapensia is found in Lapland, Wigandia in the Caraccas, Hydrolea
in the West Indies, and Nama in both the East and West Indies.
Properties. Unknown, except that a bitter principle exists in Hy-
drolea.
Examples. Hydrolea, Nama, Sagonea, Wigandia, Diapensia.
219
CCII. EBENACEJE. The Ebony Tribe,
Guaiaca-nje, Juss. Gen. 155. (1789) part of the first secf .—Ebenacejg, Vent. Tabl. 443. (1799);
Brown Prodr. 524. (1810).— Ebenaceje, § Diospyreae, Dec. and Duby, 320. (1829).
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with superior several-celled ova-
rium, regular (diclinous) flowers, definite pendulous collateral ovules, a
3-6-lobed corolla with the stamens some multiple of its lobes, and albumi-
nous seeds.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Flowers polygamous or dioecious, seldom perfect. Calyx in 3 or
6 divisions, nearly equal, persistent. Corolla monopetalous, hypogynous, regular, deciduous,
somewhat coriaceous, usually pubescent externally, and smooth internally ; its limb with 3 or
6 divisions, imbricated in aestivation. Stamens definite, either arising from the corolla, or
hypogynous ; twice as many as the segments of the corolla, sometimes 4 times as many, or
the same number, and then alternate with them ; filaments simple in the monochnous spe-
cies, generally doubled in the polygamous and dioecious ones, both their divisions bearing
anthers, but the inner one generally smaller; anthers attached by their base, lanceolate,
2-cclled, dehiscing lengthwise, sometimes bearded ; pollen round, smooth. Ovarium sessile,
without any disk, several-celled, the cells each having 1 or 2 ovules pendulous from their
apex ; style divided, seldom simple ; stigmas bifid, or simple. Fruit fleshy, round or oval, by
abortion often few-seeded, its pericarpium sometimes opening in a regular manner. Seed
with a membranous testa of the same figure as the albumen, which is cartilaginous and
white; embryo in the axis, or but little out of it, straight, white, generally more than half as
long as the albumen ; cotyledons foliaceous, somewhat veiny, lying close together, occasion-
ally slightly separate; radicle taper, of middling length or long, turned towards the hilum ;
plumula inconspicuous. — Threes or shrubs, without milk, and a heavy wood. Leaves alter-
nate, without stipul», obsoletely articulated with the stem, quite entire, coriaceous, -inflo-
rescence axillary. Peduncles solitary, those of the staminiferous divided, of the pistilliferous
usually 1-flowered, with minute bractea. R. Br.
Affinities. Very near Oleacese, with which they agree in the placenta-
tion of the seeds and other points of structure ; distinguished by their alter-
nate leaves, constantly axillary and usually diclinous flowers, the stamens of
which are at least double the number of the lobes of the corolla. R. Br. They
are also closely allied to Illicineee, from which they chiefly differ in the num-
ber of their stamens and their divided stamens and pistils. For their resemblance
to Sapotese, see that order. Styracese were combined with them by Jussieu.
Geography. Chiefly Indian and tropical ; a very few are found north-
wards as far as Switzerland in Europe, and the state of New York in North
America.
Properties. Remarkable only for the hardness and blackness of the
wood, and the eatable quality of the fruit. The former is well known under
the name of Ebony and Ironwood ; the latter are occasionally introduced
from China as a dry sweetmeat. They are noted for their extreme acer-
bity before arriving at maturity. The bark of Diosp. virginiana is said to be
a febrifuge.
Examples. Diospyrus, Maba, Ferreola.
CCIII. COLUMELLIACE^E.
Columellieje, Don in Edinb. New Phil. Journ. (Dec. 1828).
Diagnosis. Monopetalous diandrous dicotyledons, with an inferior 2-celled
many-seeded ovarium, opposite leaves, and regular flowers.
Anomalies.
220
Essential Character.— Calyx turbinate, superior, many-toothed. Corolla rofate, 5-0-
parted, with a convolute aestivation. Stamens 2, inserted in the throat ; anthers linear, either
sinuous or straight, 1- or 2-eeHed. Ovarium inferior, 2-celled, with an indefinite number of
ovules ; style simple, declinate ; stigma capitate. Disk pcrigynous. Fruit capsular, 2-celled,
many-seeded, with a septicidal incomplete dehiscence. Seeds ascending ; testa polished ;
embryo taper, erect, in the axis of fleshy albumen. — Shrubs, trees, or herbaceous plants.
Leaves opposite, without stipulre, entire. Flowers solitary, yellow.
Affinities. Only known from the remarks of Mr. Don, from whom the
foregoing has been abridged. He thinks them near Jasmineae, with which
they correspond " in the structure and aestivation of their corolla, in their
bilocular ovarium, and erect (?) ovula ; and they agree both with them and
Syringa in the structure and dehiscence of their capsule. They differ, how-
ever, essentially from Jasmines, by having an adherent ovarium, by the pre-
sence of a perigynous disk, by the undivided stigma, and, lastly, by having an
inferior capsule with polyspermous cells." Mr. Don further thinks they con-
nect Jasmineae with Oleaceae.
Geography. Mexican and Peruvian plants.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Columellia, Menodora.
CCIV. JASMINES. The Jasmine Tribe.
Jasmines, Juss. Gen. Plant. 104. (1789) in part; R. Brown Prodr. 520. (1810).
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
2-celled ovarium with erect seeds, 2 stamens, and an imbricate corolla.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx divided or toothed, persistent. Corolla monopetalous,
hypogynous, regular, hypocrateriform, with from 5 to 8 divisions, which lie laterally upon
each other, being imbricated and twisted in aestivation. Stamens 2, arising from the corolla,
enclosed within its tube. Ovarium destitute of a hypogynous disk, 2-celled, with 1-seeded
cells, the ovules in which are erect ; style 1 ; stigma 2-lobed. Fruit either a double berry or a
capsule separable in two. Seeds either with no albumen, or very little; embryo straight;
radicle inferior.— Shrubs, having usually twining stems. Leaves opposite, mostly compound,
ternate or pinnate, with an odd one; sometimes simple, the petiole almost always having an
articulation. Flowers opposite, in corymbs. R.Br.
Affinities. Formerly combined with Oleaceae, from which they are dis-
tinguished by Mr. Brown by their ovules being erect, their seeds with no, or
very little, albumen, in the aestivation of the corolla being imbricate, not val-
vate, and in the number of its divisions being 5 or more, and consequently not
regularly a multiple of the stamens, instead of 4, which is a multiple of them.
But Ach. Richard (Ann. des Sc. 350.) endeavours to show that these differ-
ences are insufficient. He states, that the ovules of Jasmineae are oiiginally
pendulous, as in Oleaceae , but that they subsequently become erect in conse-
quence of the growth of the ovarium, whose apex does not elongate, while its
sides extend considerably during the growth of the fruit. He says, upon the
authority of his father, that albumen does exist in Jasminum and Nyctanthes ;
a fact which had been previously mentioned by Mr. Brown in defining the or-
ders, but to which that distinguished botanist attached no importance, because
only a small quantity was found by him to exist, while it is very abundant in
Oleaceae ; and he probably conceived, as I certainly do, that it is the difference
of its quantity only which gives the albumen value as a mark of ordinal dis-
tinction. I confess it does not appear to me that these remarks lessen the pro-
221
priety of dividing Jasminese and Oleace^e, which are still known by abundantly
sufficient characters. The affinity of Jasmines, otherwise, is with those mo-
nopetalous orders, in which the number of stamina is different from that of the
divisions of the corolla, as Labiatae, Scrophularineae, Verbenacea?, and the like,
but particularly with the latter, which sometimes resemble them in their fruit,
as Clerodendron. Mr. Brown stations them between Pedalineae and Oleacese
(Prodr.) ; Decandolle between Oleaceae and Strychnece (The'orie, ed. 2.) ;
Don suggests their affinity to his order Columellieae.
Geography. Chiefly inhabitants of tropical India, in all parts of which
they abound. One Jasminum only is mentioned from South America, but there
are at least 3 species of Bolivaria on that continent ; a few are natives of Africa
and the adjoining islands ; New Holland contains several ; and, finally, 2 ex-
tend into the southern climates of Europe.
Properties. Not very different from Oleaceae in qualities, except that their
oil is deliciously fragrant, and produced by the flowers, and not by the pericarp.
The genuine essential oil of Jasmine of the shops is produced by Jasminum of-
ficinale and grandiflorum ; but a similar perfume is also procured from Jasmi-
num Sambac. The leaves of Jasminum undulatum are slightly bitter. The
bitter root of Jasminum angustifolium, ground small and mixed with powdered
Acorus Calamus- root, is considered in India as a valuable external application
in cases of ringworm. Jlinslie, 2. 52. In India Proper the tube of the corolla
of Nyctanthes arbor tristis is used as a dye. Buchanan L. Tr. 13. 484.
Examples. Jasminum, Nyctanthes, Bolivaria.
CCV. OLEACEAE. The Olive Tribe.
Oleinejk, Hoffmannsegg et Link Ft. Port. (1806) ; Brown Prodr. 522. (1810) ; Lindl. Synops.
171. (1829).— Lilace^ Vent. Tabl. 1. 306. (1799.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
2 -celled ovarium with pendulous seeds, 2 stamens, and a valvate corolla.
Anomalies. Fraxinus is generally apetalous.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoclinous, sometimes dioecious. Calyx monophyllous,
divided, persistent, interior. Corolla hypogynous, monopetalous, 4-cleft, occasionally of 4 pe-
tals, connected in pairs by the intervention of the filaments, sometimes without petals; (estiva-
tion somewhat, valvate. Stamens 2, alternate with the segments of the corolla or with the pe-
tals; anthers 2-celled, opening longitudinally. Ovarium simple, without any hypogynous disk,
2-celled; the cells 2-seeded; the ovules pendulous and collateral ; style 1 or 0; stigma bifid or
undivided. Fruit drupaceous, berried, or capsular, often by abortion 1-seeded. Seeds with
dense, fleshy, abundant albumen; embryo about half its length, straight ; cotyledons foliaceous,
partly asunder ; radicle superior ; plumula inconspicuous. — Trees or shrubs. Leaves oppo-
site, simple, sometimes pinnated. Flowers in terminal or axillary racemes or panicles ; the
pedicels opposite, with single bractca;. R. Br.
Affinities. Very near Jasminese, with which they are combined by Ach.
Richard ; see the observations upon that order. To some, it, I believe, still ap-
pears expedient to separate the small tribe of Lilaceae, the representative of
which is the Lilac of the gardens ; but I am not aware of there being any
greater peculiarity in that plant than its capsular fruit, a character very rarely
of importance in distinguishing orders. Decandolle suggests (Essai Mtd. p.
204.) that the ash is related to the Maple tribe. I also find in the same work
the following very good observations upon this order : " However heteroge-
neous the Olive tribo may appear as at present limited, it is remarkable that
the species will all graft upon each other : a fact which demonstrates the ana-
222
logy of their juices and their fibres. Thus the Lilac will graft upon the Ash,
the Chionanthus and the Fontanesia, and I have even succeeded in making
the Persian Lilac live ten years on Phyllirea latifolia. The Olive will take on
the Phyllirea, and even on the Ash : but we cannot graft the Jasmine on any
plant of the Olive tribe ; a circumstance which confirms the propriety of sepa-
rating these two tribes."
Geography. Natives chiefly of temperate latitudes, inclining .towards the
tropics, but scarcely known beyond 65° N. lat. The Ash is extremely abundant
in North America ; the Phyllireas and Syringas are all European or Eastern
plants. A few are found in New Holland and elsewhere within the tropics.
One Ash is a native of Nipal.
Properties. This order offers almost the only instance of oil being con-
tained in the pericarp ; from which Olive oil is entirely expressed ; in most other
plants oil is yielded by the seed. The flowers are frequently slightly fragrant ;
those of Oleafragrans are employed in China for flavouring tea. The bark of the
Olive, but especially of the Ash, is so bitter and astringent, that it has been not
only highly celebrated as a febrifuge, but even compared with Quinquina (Dec.)
for effect. The sweet gentle purgative, called Manna, is a concrete discharge
from the bark of several species of Ash, but especially from Fraxinus rotundi-
folia. The sweetness of this substance is not due to the presence of sugar, but
to a distinct principle, called Mannite, which differs from sugar in not ferment-
ing with water and yeast. Turner, 682. A peculiar substance, called Olivile,
is contained in the gum Olea europsea. Ibid. 701.
Examples. Olea, Phyllirea, Ligustrum, Chionanthus, Fraxinus.
CCVI. MYRSINE^E.
Ophiosperma, Vent. Jard. Cels. 86. (1800).— MyrsinevE, R. Brown Prodr. 532. (1810.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous arborescent dicotyledons, with regular flowers,
an entire superior 1-celled ovarium with a free central placenta, and indehiscent
fleshy fruit.
Anomalies. iEgiceras has no albumen, and the cells of its anthers are
cellular.
_ Essential Character.— Flowers monoclinous or polygamous. Calyx 4- or 5-clcft, per-
Bistent. Corolla monopetalous, hypogy nous, 4- 5-cleft, equal. Stamens 4-5, opposite (he seg-
ments of the corolla ! into the bases of which they are inserted; filaments distinct, rarely
connate, sometimes wanting-, sometimes 5 sterile petaloid alternate ones; anthers attached by
their emarginate base, with 2 cells, dehiscing longitudinally. Ovarium 1, with a singlecelliu
a free central placenta, in the midst of which is immersed a definite or indefinite number of
peltate ovula ; style 1, often very short; stigma lobed or undivided. Fruit fleshy, mostly
1-seeded, sometimes 2-4-seeded. Seeds peltate, with a hollow hilum and a simple integument ;
albumen horny, of the same shape as the seed ; embryo lying across the hilum, taper, usually
curved; cotyledons short ; radicle, if several seeds ripen, inferior. Plumula inconspicuous.—
Trees or shrubs. Leaves alternate, undivided, serrated or entire, coriaceous, smooth ; some-
times under-shrubs, with opposite or ternate leaves. Inflorescence in umbels, corymbs, or
panicles, axillary, seldom terminal. Flowers small, white or red, often marked with sunken
dots or glandular lines.
Affinities. Scarcely different from Primulaceae, except in their arbores-
cent habit and fleshy fruit ; the embryo always lies across the hilum, and the
stamens are opposite the lobes of the corolla, as in that order ; add to which,
the connivence of the anthers in a cone, which is frequent in Primulacea;, is
common in Myrsmeee also. Mr. Brown remarks (1. c), that the order is re-
223
lated to Sapotere through Jacquinia, and to Primulaceae through Bladhia,
The immersion of the ovules in a fleshy placenta is a peculiar character of this
tribe.
Geography. Tropical plants without exception, and common both in India
and America ; but " no species has been met with in equinoctial Africa, though,
several exist both at the Cape of Good Hope and in the Canary Islands."
Brown Congo, 465.
Properties. Almost unknown. Generally handsome shrubs, with fine
evergreen leaves. Bread is said to be prepared from the pounded seeds of
Theophrasta Jussiaei in St. Domingo, where it is called Le Petit Coco-
Hamilt. Prodr. p. 27.
Examples. Ardisia, Embelia, Myrsine.
CCVII. PRIMULACEAE. The Primrose Tribe.
Lysimachije, Juss. Gen. 95. (1789).— Primulaceje, Vent. Tab!. 2. 285. (1799); R. Brown
Prodr. 427. (1810); Lindl. Synops. 182. (1520.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous herbaceous dicotyledons, with regular flowers,
an entire superior 1 -celled ovarium with a free central placenta, and capsular
fruit.
Anomalies. Samolus has the ovarium half inferior, and 5 sterile stamens,
Glaux is apetalous.
Essential Character.— Calyx divided, 5-cleft, seldom 4-cleft, inferior, regular, persistent.
Corolla monopetalous, hypogynous, regular; the limb 5-cleft, seldom 4-cleft. Stamens in-
serted upon the corolla, equal in number to its segments, and opposite them ! Orarium
1-celled ; style 1 ; stigma capitate. Capsule opening with valves ; placenta central, distinct.
Seeds numerous, peltate; embryo included within fleshy albumen, and lying across the hilum ;
radicle with no determinate direction.— Herbaceous plants. Leaves usually opposite, either
whorled or scattered. R. Br.
Affinities. Nearly allied to all the regular monopetalous orders with cap-
sular superior fruit, especially to Solanese and Gentianese, from both which, and
all others, they are readily known by the stamens being placed opposite the
segments of the corolla, and not alternate with them. In this respect they
agree with Myrsineae, which differ principally in their fleshy fruit and arbores-
cent habit. Another character of Primulaceae is to have the embryo lying
across the hilum within the albumen, so that the radicle is presented neither to
the umbilicus nor to one extremity, but to one side. Trientalis differs a little
in its somewhat succulent fruit. Glaux, an apetalous genus, is usually placed
here; but, according to Mr. Don {Jameson's Journal, Jan. 1830, p. 166.), it
should be referred to Plantagineae, " where it will form the connecting link be-
tween that family and Primulaceae."
Geography. Common in the northern and colder parts of the globe, grow-
ing in marshes, hedges, and groves, by fountains and rivulets, and even among
the snow of cloud-capped mountains. The genus Douglasia was found by
the traveller whose name it bears, blossoming while covered with snow, on the
Rocky Mountains of America. They are uncommon within the tropics,
where they usually occupy either the sea shore, or the summits of the most
lofty hills.
Properties. As beautiful objects of culture, these rank among the most
esteemed, both on account of their bright but modest-looking flowers, the earliest
224
harbingers of spring, and also for the sake of their fragrance. Their sensible
properties are feeble. The Cowslip is slightly narcotic, and the root of Cycla-
men is famous for its acridity ; yet this is the principal food of the wild boars of
Sicily, whence its common name of Sowbread.
Examples. Primula, Dodecatheon, Androsace.
CCVIII. LENTIBULARIiE.
Lentibularije, Richard in Flor. Paris, p. 26. (1808). — Utriculinje, Hqffmannsegg et Link
Fl. Port. (1806).— Lentibulari^, R. Brown Prodr. 429. (1810) ; Lindl. Synops. 186.
(1829); Link. Hand. 1. 511. a sect, of Personals.
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with irregular flowers, and a supe-
rior 1 -celled ovarium, with a central free placenta.
Anomalies. Seed undivided in Utricularia.
Essential Character. — Calyx divided, persistent, inferior. Corolla monopetalous, hy-
pogynous, irregular, bilabiate, with a spur. Stamens 2, included within the corolla, and in-
serted into its base ; anthers simple, sometimes contracted in the middle. Ovarium 1-celled ;
style 1, very short; stigma bilabiate. Capsule 1-celled, many-seeded, with a large central pla-
centa. Seeds minute, without albumen; embryo sometimes undivided.— Herbaceous plants,
living in water or marshes. Leaves radical, undivided ; or compound, resembling roots, and
bearing little vesicles. Scapes either with minute stipula-like scales, or naked ; sometimes
with wnorled vesicles ; generally undivided. Flowers single, or in spikes, or in many-flowered
racemes ; with a single bractea, rarely without bracteae. R. Br.
Affinities. The central free placenta and minute exalbuminous embryo
are the principal points of distinction between these and Scrophularineae, to
which their habit nearly approximates them. They are known from Primu-
lacese by their irregular flowers, exalbuminous embryo, and stamens.
Geography. Natives of marshes, or rivulets, or fountains, in all parts of
the world, especially within the tropics.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Pinguicula, Utricularia.
CC1X. GESNEREiE.
Gesnerie*, Rich, ct Juss. Ann. Mus. 5. 428. (1804); Kunth in Humb. N. G. et Sp. 2. 39?.
(1817); Lindlcy in Bot. Reg. 1110. (1827).— GesneriacejE, Link Handb. 1. 504. (1829)
a sect, of Personata;.— GesnerejE, Von Martius Nov. Gen. Bras. 3. 68. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a half inferior ovarium,
parietal projecting placentae, a capitate stigma, irregular flowers, and an em-
bryo in the axis of fleshy albumen.
Anomalies. Sarmienta is diandrous.
Essential Character. — Calyx half superior, 5-parted, with a valvatc aestivation. Corolla
monopetalous, tubular, more or less irregular, 5-lobcd, with an imbricate aestivation. Sta-
mens didynamous ; anthers cohering, 2-celled, innate, with a thick tumid conneetivum ; the
rudiment of a fifth stamen is present. Ovarium half superior, 1-celled, with 2 fleshy 2-lobed
parietal polyspermous placentae ; surrounded at its base by glands alternating with the sta-
225
mens; style continuous with the ovarium; stigma capitate, concave. Fruit capsular or
succulent, half superior, 1-cclled, 2-valved, with loculicidal dehiscence and 2 opposite lateral
placenta*, each consisting- of 2 plates. Seeds very numerous, minute ; embryo erect, in the
axis of fleshy albumen ; testa thin, with very close fine oblique veins. — Herbaceous plants or
undcr-shrubs. Leaves opposite, rugose, without stipukc. Flowers showy, in racemes, or
panicles, rarely solitary.
Affinities. Nearly allied to Bignoniaccae through Eccremocarpus, from
which they differ in their ovarium being 1 -celled and partly inferior, in their
apterous seeds, and in habit. Distinguished from Cyrtandraccaj only by their
usually inferior 1 -celled ovarium, with simple placentae and albuminous seeds,
the testa of which is twisted in a singular manner. From Scrophularinea^
they are known by the same characters, with the exception of the albumin-
ous seeds, in which respect they agree with that order. They also approach
Orobanchere, Acanthaceae, and Pedalineae, with all which they agree in the
position of the pericarpial leaves being anterior and posterior with regard to
the axis of inflorescence, and consequently the placenta; right and left.
Geography. Exclusively natives of the tropical parts of South America
and of the West India Islands.
Properties. Generally beautiful herbaceous plants, bearing flowers, the
prevailing colour of which is bright red, and having tuberous roots. The
succulent fruits are mucilaginous, sweetish, and eatable. A dye is obtained
from the calyxes and fruit of some of them for staining cotton, straw work,
and domestic utensils.
Examples. Gesnera, Gloxinia, Hypocyrta, Alloplectus.
CCX. OROBANCHEiE. The Broom-Rape Tribe.
ObObancheje, Juss. Ann. Mus. 12. 445. (180S) ; Richard in Pcrs. Synops. 2. 180. (1807); Dec.
and Duby Bot. Gall. 348. (1828); Lindl. Synops. 193. (1829).— Oroban-chinje, Lank
Handb. 1. 506. (1829) a sect, of Personata:.
Diagnosis. Monopetalous, colourless, parasitical dicotyledons, with a
superior 1 -celled ovarium, irregular unsymmetrical flowers, and a minute em-
bryo inverted in the apex of fleshy albumen.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx divided, persistent, inferior. Corolla monopetalous, hypo-
gynous, irregular, persistent, with an imbricated aestivation. Stamens 4, didynamous.
Ovarium superior, 1-celled, seated in a fleshy disk, with 2 or 4 parietal polyspermous pla-
centae ; style 1 ; stigma 2-lobed. Fruit capsular, enclosed within the withered corolla,
1-celled, 2-valved, each valve bearing 1 or 2 placentae in the middle. Seeds indefinite, very
minute ; embryo minute, inverted, at the apex of a fleshy albumen. — Herbaceous leafless
plants, growing parasitically upon the roots of other species. Steins covered with brown or
colourless scales.
Affinities. Extremely near Gesnereos in character, although very differ-
ent in habit. They are distinguished by their seeds having a minute embryo
lying in one end of fleshy albumen, and spherical pollen, while the embryoof
Gesnereae is cylindrical and erect, occupying the axis of the albumen, and the
pollen elliptical, with a furrow on one side. In Gesnereae the seeds are attached
by rather long funiculi, while they are absolutely sessile in Orobancheae.
Moreover, there is a tendency in the latter to become pentandrous, or even
hexandrous ; but not only no such tendency exists in the former, but the
reverse takes place, in the occasional increased sterility of the stamens. There
is scarcely any trace of the glandular processes of the disk of Gesnereae in
39
226
Orobanche, or at least nothing more than a thin glandular coating to the base
of the ovarium. See Von Martins Nov. Gen. et <S/>. Bras. 3. 72. From
Scrophularinea; they are known by their 1-celled ovarium and minute inverted
embryo ; from Rhinanthacese, by the former of these characters ; and from all
that have been mentioned, by their habit and parasitical mode of growth. In
this respect they resemble Pyrolaces, from which they differ in their ovarium
being composed of 2, not 5 carpella, and their irregular unsymmetrical flowers.
According to the observations of M. Vaucher, of Geneva, the seeds of Oro-
banche ramosa will he many years inert in the soil unless they come in con-
tact with the roots of Hemp, the plant upon which the species grows parasi-
tically, when they immediately sprout. See Ferussac, Feb. 1824, 136.
Geography. Not uncommon in Europe, particularly in the southern king-
doms, Barbary, middle and northern Asia, and North America ; very rare in
India.
Properties. The Orobanche virginiana is supposed to have formed, in
conjunction with white oxide of arsenic, a famous cancer powder, which was
known in North America under the name of " Martin's Cancer Powder." It
is thought to participate in the powerful astringent properties of Orobanche
major. Barton, 2. 38.
Examples. Orobanche, Lathraea, Phelypsea, jEginetia.
CCXI. SCROPHULARINE^. The Figwort Tribe.
Scrophulabi.e, Juss. Gen. 117. (1789).— Scrophularine^, R. Brown Prodr. 433. (1810);
Lindl. Svnops. 187. (1829).— Pediculares, Juss. Gen. 99. (1789) in part. — Personate,
Dec. Fl. Fr. 3. 573. (1815).— Antirrhinee, Dec. and Duby, 342. (1828).— Halleriace-e,
Ltink Handb. 1. 506. (1829) a sect, of Personate. — Scopariace.e, lb. 822. the same. —
EBLNE.E, 76. 510. the same.
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior 2-celled capsule,
irregular unsymmetrical flowers, albuminous seeds, and an orthotropous
embryo.
Anomalies. Scoparia has regular symmetrical flowers. Leaves some-
times alternate.
Essential Character. — Calyx divided, persistent, inferior. Corolla monopetalous, hypo-
gynous, usually irregular, deciduous, with an imbricated aestivation. Stamens 2, or 4, didy-
namous, very seldom equal. Ovarium superior, 2-celled, many-seeded ; style 1, continuous ;
stigma 2-lobed. Fruit capsular, very seldom succulent, with from 2 to 4 valves, which are
either entire or bifid ; the dissepiment either double, arising from the incurved margins of the
valves; or simple, and in that case, either parallel with, or opposite to, the valves. Placentae
central, cither adhering1 to the dissepiment or separating from it. Seeds indefinite; embryo
included within fleshy albumen ; radicle turned towards the hilum (orthotropous). — Herbace-
ous plants, seldom shrubs, with opposite leaves. Inflorescence very variable.
Affinities. The capsular monopetalous genera of Dicotyledons, with a
superior ovarium, albuminous seeds, and irregular diandrous or didynamous
stamens, were separated by Jussieu into two orders, which he called Scrophu-
lariffi and Pediculares, distinguished from each other by the dehiscence of the
former being septicidal, and of the latter loculicidal. Mr. Brown, in his Pro-
dromus, pointed out the insufficiency of this character, which is often not even
of generic value, and he combined the orders of Jussieu under the common
name of Scrophularineai. This opinion has been adopted by subsequent
writers, with the exception of Decandolle, who, in Duby's Boianicon Gallimn
(1828), adheres to the old division of Jussieu, their names being changed into
227
Antirrhineae and Rhinanthaceae. Notwithstanding this almost universal assent
to the identity of the two orders of Jussieu, some separations have been made
upon different principles from those of that learned botanist. Thus Oroban-
cheae have been distinguished by himself; Gesnereae by Nees Von Esenbeck ;
and Melampyraceae by Richard. The two former are adqpted by botanists with-
out dissent ; the latter has not been so generally received. In my Synopsis I
admitted it, upon the ground of its definite ascending seeds and inverted embryo ;
but subsequent consideration has led me to think that by excluding from the
character all consideration of the number and direction of the seeds, a tribe
would be formed, agreeing in a peculiar habit, and in the radicle of the embryo
not being presented to the hilum, to which the name of Rhinanthaceaj might
conveniently be retained. Upon this view of the subject, Scrophularineae will
include no genus the embryo of which is not orthotropous, and in Rhinan-
thaceae it must be antitropous or heterotropous. For the distinctions of Gesne-
reae and Orobanchere, see those orders respectively. Scrophularineee agree
with Rhinanthaceae, Orobancheoe, Gesnereae, Bignoniaceae, Cyrtandraceae,
Verbenaceaj, Myoporinere, Selagineae, Pedalineae, Acanthaceaa, and Solanese,
in their ovarium being formed by the cohesion of two carpella, which stand fore
and aft with respect to the axis of inflorescence ; or, in other words, the back
of one is presented to the upper lip of the corolla, that part in which the fifth
stamen is abortive or rudimentary, and the back of the other to the middle lobe
of the lower Up between the two anterior stamens ; a curious arrangement, by
attending to which no difficulty can be found in recognising Gentianeae, which,
when out of flower, are exceedingly like. Scrophularineae differ from Bigno-
niaceae and Pedalineae in their habit and albuminous seeds ; from Solanese in
their diandrous or didynamous flowers, straight not curved embryo, and oppo-
site not alternate leaves ; from Verbenaceae and Myoporinese in their polysper-
mous fruit, which is usually dehiscent, or at least never drupaceous ; from
Selagineae in the same characters and their opposite leaves ; and from Acan-
thaceee in their flowers not being surrounded by imbricating bracteae, and in
the presence of albumen. Verbascum and Celsia, two genera usually referred
to Solaneae, are by some botanists placed here ; they, and Digitalis, which has
alternate leaves, form connecting links between the two orders.
Geography. Found in abundance in all parts of the world, from the cold-
est regions in which the vegetation of flowering plants takes place, to the
hottest places within the tropics. One species is found in Melville Island ; in
middle Europe they form about a 26th of the flowering plants, and in North
America about a 36th. In all India, New Holland, and South America, they
are common, and, finally, the sterile shores of Terra del Fuego are ornamented
with several species.
Properties. Generally acrid, bitterish, suspected plants. The leaves
and roots of Scrophularia aquatica, and perhaps nodosa, of Gratiola offici-
nalis and peruviana, and of Calceolaria, act as purgatives, or even as emetics.
In Digitalis, which is in many respects very near Solaneae, this quality is so
much increased, that its effects become highly dangerous. The powdered
leaves, or an extract of them, produce vomiting, dejection, and vertigo, increase
the secretion of the saliva and urine, lower the pulse, and even cause death.
Dec. According to Vauquelin, the purgative quality of Gratiola depends
upon the presence of a peculiar substance, analogous to resin, but differing in
being soluble in hot water. The leaves of Mimulus guttatus are eatable as
salad. The juice of the leaves of Torcnia asiatica are considered, on the Ma-
labar coast, a cure for gonorrhoea. Ainslie, 2. 122. An infusion of Scoparia
dulcis is used by the Indians of Spanish America to cure agues. Humboldt
Cinch, Forests, 22. Eng. Ed.
228
Duvau, in an excellent memoir upon the general characters of Veronica,
proposes the following sections of this order ; see Ann. des Sc. vol. 8. p. 176.
1826.
Veronice-s:.
Examples. Veronica, Sibthorpia, Disandra.
ERINACE.E.
Examples. Manulea, Buchnera, Erinus.
ScROPHULARINEiE.
Examples. Scrophularia, Antirrhinum, Mimulus, Gratiola, Chelone,
Digitalis.
To these Link adds, as will be seen among the synonymes of the order,
HalleriaceBe, containing the baccate genera, and Scopariaceee, containing Sco-
paria alone.
CCXII. RHINANTHACEiE. The Rattle Tribe.
Melampybaceje, Rich. Anal, du Fruit. (1808) ; Lindl. Synops. 194. (1829). — Rhinanthaceje,
Dec. Fl. Fr. 3. 454. (1815); Dec. and Duby Bot. Gall. 351. (1828) in pari.— Pemcu-
labes, Juss. Gen. 99. (1789) in part; Duvau in Ann. des Sc. Nat. 8. 180. (1826.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior 2-celled capsule,
irregular unsymmetrical flowers, crested bracteoe, albuminous seeds, and a he-
terotropous embryo.
Anomalies.
Essential Chabacteb. — Calyx divided, persistent, unequal, inferior, foliaceous: Corolla
monopetalous, hypogynons, deciduous, personate. Stamens 4, didynamous; anthers with
acuminate lobes. Ovarium superior, 2-cellcd, 2-seeded ; style 1 ; stigma obtuse. Fruit cap-
sular, 2-celled, 2-valved, covered by the calyx. Seed ascending'; embryo minute, inverted
(heterotropous) in fleshy albumen. — Herbaceous plants, heaves opposite, without stipulw.
Flowers axillary, with coloured or crested floral leaves.
Affinities. Distinguished from Scrophularinere by the inverted or heterotro-
pous embryo, the seeds being generally winged and few in number, often defi-
nite, and the bractea? dilated and foliaceous : at least such is the only charac-
ter which I can find for this group, which Duvau calls " tres tranche et presqu'-
isole." The habit is peculiar ; Chelone is the genus among Scrophularineae
to which they most nearly approach. In my Synopsis I have followed Rich-
ard in distinguishing Melampyracese from Rhinanthacese, and placing the lat-
ter among Scrophularineaj ; but I now entertain a different opinion : see Scro-
phularinere. Duvau says he has observed that, in some species of Euphrasia,
Bartsia, Rhinanthus, Melampyrum, and Pedicularis, the base of the corolla is
persistent in the form of a collar ; and he suggests the possibility of this cha-
racter, which he has also remarked in Orobanche, being of importance.
Geography. Natives of Europe, Asia, and America, particularly in the
more temperate parts ; also of the Cape of Good Hope, South America, India,
and New Holland.
Properties. Euphrasia officinalis is slightly bitter and aromatic, and was
formerly employed in diseases of the eye, but is now disused. Cows are said
to be fond of Melampyrum pratense ; and Linnaus says the best and yellowest
229
butter is made where it abounds. The Pedieularises are acrid, but are eaten
by goats. Nearly all this tribe turn black in drying.
Examples. Rhinanthus, Pedicularis, Melampyrum.
CCXIII. SOLANEjE. The Nightshade Tribe,
Solane-e, Juss. Gen. 124. (1789); R. Brown Prodr. 443. (1810); Ldndl. Synops. 180. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
2-celled ovarium, indefinite ovules, a plaited corolla, succulent fruit, and alter-
nate leaves.
Anomalies. Verbascum has irregular flowers. The anthers of Solanum
open by pores. Nolana has a deeply 5- or more-lobed ovarium. Nicotiana mul-
tivalvis has many cells in the capsule.
Essential Character. — Calyx 5-parted, seldom 4-parted, persistent, inferior. Corolla
monopetalous, hypogynous ; the limb 5-cleft, seldom 4-cleft, regular or somewhat unequal,
deciduous ; the (estivation, in the genuine genera of the order, plaited ; in the spurious genera
imbricated. Stainens inserted upon the corolla, as many as the segments of the limb, with
which they are alternate, 1 sometimes being abortive ; anthers bursting longitudinally, rarely
by pores at the apex. Ovarium 2-celled, with 2 polyspermous placenta; style continuous;
stigma simple. Pericarpium with 2 or 4 cells, either a capsule with a double dissepiment pa-
rallel with the valves, or a berry, with the placenta; adhering to the dissepiment. Seeds nu-
merous, sessile ; embryo more or less curved, often out of the centre, lying in fleshy albumen ;
radicle next the hilum. — Herbaceous plants or shrubs. Leaves alternate, undivided, or lobed ;
the floral ones sometimes double, and placed near each other. Injlorescence variable, often out
of the axilla; ; the pedicels without bractea?.
Affinities. Mr. Brown remarks, that this order is chiefly known from
Scrophulaiineaj by the curved or spiral embryo, the plaited aestivation of the
corolla, and the flowers being usually regular, with the same number of stamens
as lobes. Hence the genera with a corolla not plaited, and at the same time a
straight embryo, should either be excluded, or placed in a separate section,
along with such as have an imbricated corolla, a slightly curved embryo, and
didynamous stamens. Prodr. 444. To this a third section should be added
for Nolana, which has a deeply 5- or more-lobed ovarium, each lobe containing
one or more cells, in each of which lies a single seed. Nolana paradoxa has
a considerable number of little drupes crowded one above the other ; so that this
section would appear to differ from true Solanea? nearly as Labiate from Ver-
benacea? ; but there is a similar tendency to an excessive multiplication of cells
in Nicotiana multivalvis, a genuine plant of the order, in which an additional
verticillus of pericarpial leaves is added to the outside of the' two central ones,
forming together a singular instance of a many-celled fruit. Through Nolana,
Solanea? approach Convolvulaceaj. The position of the placentae and pericar-
pial leaves is the same in this order as in Scrophularinepe and their allies, from
which its alternate leaves usually distinguish them. Verbascum and Celsia
are very near Scrophularinere, to which they are actually referred by Reichen-
bach ; but they differ in their alternate leaves and pentandrous flowers.
Geography. Natives of most parts of the world without the arctic and
antarctic circles, especially within the tropics, in which the mass of the order
exists, in the form of the genera Solanum and Physalis. Verbascum is wholly
extratropical.
Properties. At first sight this family would seem to offer a strong excep-
tion to the general uniformity of structure and property, containing as it does
the deadly Nightshade and Henbane, and the wholesome Potato and Tomato;
but a little inquiry will explain this apparent anomaly. The tubers of the Po-
230
tato are well known to be perfectly wholesome when cooked, any narcotic pro-
perty which they possess being wholly dissipated by heat. This is the case
with other succulent underground stems in equally dangerous families, as the
Cassava among Euphorbiaceae ; besides which, as Decandollc justly observes,
— " II ne faut pas perdre de vue que tous nos alimens renferment une petite
dose d'un principe excitant, qui, s'il y etait en plus grande quantite, pourrait
etre nuisible, mais qui y est necessaire pour leur servir de condiment naturel."
The leaves of all are narcotic and exciting, but in. different degrees, from the
Atropa Belladonna, which causes vertigo, convulsions, and vomiting ; the well-
known Tobacco, which will frequently produce the first and last of these symp-
toms ; the Henbane and Stramonium, down to some of the Solanum tribe, the
leaves of which are used as kitchen herbs. The juice of Datura Stramonium is
used in the United States, in doses of from 20 to 30 grains, in cases of epilepsy,
or of mania without fever. Dec. The Quina of Brazil is the produce of Sola-
num pseudo-quina, and is so powerful a bitter and febrifuge, that the Brazihans
scarcely believe that it is not the genuine Jesuits' Bark. It has been analyzed
by Vauquebn, who found that it contained j\ of a bitter resinoid matter, slightly
soluble in water, about ^ 0I* a vegetable bitter, and a number of other princi-
ples in minute quantities. Plantes Ustielles, 21. The juice of Atropa Bella-
donna is well known to produce a singular dilatation of the pupil of the eye.
Duval found that the same property exists in Solanums of the Dulcamara tribe,
but in a more feeble degree. It is in the fruit that the greatest diversity of cha-
racter exists ; Atropa Belladonna, Solanum nigrum, and others, are highly
dangerous poisons ; Stramonium, Henbane, some Oestrums, and Physalis, are
narcotic ; the fruit of Physalis Alkekengi is diuretic, for which quality it is
employed by veterinary surgeons ; that of Capsicum is pungent, or even acrid ;
some Physalis are subacid, and so wholesome as to be eaten with impunity ;
and, finally, the Egg-plant, Solanum esculentum, and all the Tomato tribe of
Solanum, yield fruits which are common articles of cookery. But it is stated
that the poisonous species derive their properties from the presence of a pulpy
matter which surrounds the seeds ; and that the wholesome kinds are destitute
of this pulp, their fruit consisting only of what botanists call the sarcocarp ; that
is to say, the centre of the rind, in a more or less succulent state. It must also
be remembered, that if the fruit of the Egg-plant is eatable, it only becomes so
after undergoing a particular process, by which all its bitter acrid matter is re-
moved, and that the Tomato is always exposed to heat before it is eaten. The
fruit of Solanum Jacquini is considered by the native practitioners of India as
expectorant. The juice of that of Solanum bahamense is used in the West
Indies in cases of sore throat. Jlinslie, 2. 91. A decoction of the root of S.
mammosum is bitter, and reckoned a valuable diuretic. Ibid. The roots of
Physalis flexuosa are supposed by the Indian doctors to have deobstruent and
diuretic qualities, and also to be alexipharmic. The leaves moistened with a
little warm castor oil are a useful external application in cases of carbuncle.
Ibid. 2. 15. The common Potato, in a state of putrefaction, is said to give out
a most vivid light, sufficient to read by. This was particularly remarked by
an officer on guard at Strasburgh, who thought the barracks were on fire, in
consequence of the light thus emitted from a cellar full of potatoes. Ed. P. J.
13. 376. It has been supposed that Potash may be advantageously obtained
from the stalk of Potatos ; but it appears, from the experiments of Dr. Maccul-
loch and Sir John Hay, that the quantity they contain is so small as not to be
worth the manufacture. Ibid. 2. 399. The deleterious principle of the Bella-
donna has been ascertained by Vaiiquelin to be a bitter nauseous matter, soluble
in spirit of wine, forming an insoluble combination with tannin, and yielding
ammonia when burnt. Dec. Prodr. 225. The active principle of Solanum
Dulcamara is an alkali, called Solania, which is in that plant combined with
malic acid. Turner 654.
231
Examples. The sections above alluded to in this order are the following :
§1. SolanejE. The Genuine Nightshade Tribe.
Corolla with the limb usually plaited. Stamens equal to the number of the
lobes of the corolla. Embryo curved much. R.Br.
Solanum, Physalis, Nicotiana, Datura, Lycium, Atropa.
§ 2. Nolaneje. The Nolana Tribe.
Nolanese. Reichenb. Consp. 125. (1829.)
Corolla plaited. Stamens ecpial to the number of the lobes of the corolla.
Ovarium divided into 5 or more lobes. Fruit drupaceous. Embryo much
curved.
Nolana.
§ 3. VerbascejE. The Mullein Tribe.
Corolla not plaited. Stamens 5 and unequal, or didynamous. Embryo
slightly curved.
Verbascum, Celsia, Anthocercis.
N. B. Reichcnbach refers the first and last to Scrophularinea?. {Conspec-
tus, p. 124.)
CCXIV. ACANTHACEiE. The Justicia Tribe.
Acanthi, Juss. Gen. 102. (1789). Acanthace;e, R. Brown Prodr. 472. (1810) ; Link Hanclb. 1.
500. (1829) a sect. o/"Personatse.
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior 2-celled capsule,
irregular unsymmetrical flowers, exalbuminous wingless seeds with hooked dis-
sepiments, and imbricated flowers.
Anomalies. A singular depauperation of the calyx takes place in the ge-
nera Thunbergia, Mendozia, and Clistax, in which that organ is reduced some-
times to a mere obsolete ring, its place being supplied by bracteae. Mendozia
is also remarkable for its fruit being a 1 -seeded drupe, with crumpled chrysa-
loid cotyledons.
Essential Character.— Calyx 4- or 5-divided, cleft or tubular, equal or unequal occasion-
ally multifid, or entire and obsolete, persistent. Corolla monopetalous, hypogynous, bearing
the stamens, mostly irregular ; the limb ringent or 2-lipped (the lower lip overlapping the up-
per in estivation), occasionally 1-lipped, sometimes nearly equal, deciduous. Stamens mostly
2, both bearing anthers ; sometimes 4, didynamous, the shorter ones being sometimes sterile ;
anthers either 2-celled, their cells being inserted equally or unequally, or 1-cclled, opening
lengthwise. Ovarium seated in the disk, 2-celled, the cells cither 2- or many-seeded ; style 1 ;
stigma 2-lobed, rarely undivided. Capsxde 2-cellcd, the cells 2- or many -seeded, by abortion
sometimes becoming 1-seeded, bursting elastically with 2 valves. Dissepiment opposite the
valves, separable into two pieces through the axis (the middle being sometimes open) ; these
pieces attached to the valves, sometimes separating from them with elasticity ; entire, or occa-
sionally spontaneously separating in two, their inner edge bearing the seeds. Seeds roundish,
hanging by subulate ascending processes of the dissepiment ; testa loose ; albumen none ; em-
bryo curved or straight; cotyledons large, roundish; radicle taper, descending, and at the
same time centripetal, curved, or straight; plumula inconspicuous.— Berbcweous plants or
shrubs, chiefly tropical ; their hairs, if they have any, simple, occasionally capitate, very rarely
stellate. Leaves opposite, rarely in fours, without stipulai, simple, undivided, entire, or ser-
rated ; rarely sinuate, or having a tendency to become lobed. Inflorescence terminal, or axil-
lary, in spikes, racemes, fascicles, or panicles ; the flowers sometimes even solitary. Flowers
usually opposite in the spikes, sometimes alternate, with 3 bracteaj, of which the lateral are now
and then deficient; these bractcx sometimes large and leafy, and enclosing a diminished ca-
lyx, which is occasionally obsolete. R. Br. chiefly.
232
Affinities. In habit these approach Scrophularineee, from which their
want of albumen, elastically dehiscing fruit, and the hooked processes of the
dissepiment, distinguish them ; with Bignoniacese they agree so nearly in cha-
racter, that they may be said to differ in nothing but their seeds not being
winged, for the hooks are sometimes absent ; generally, however, their flowers
being intermixed with imbricated bracterc, their mairv-leaved imbricated calyx,
and their herbaceous habit, point them out sufficiently. To Pedalineae they
approach in character, but are at once known by their 2-celled ovarium and
peculiar habit. Von Martius remarks (Nov. Gen. et Sp. 3. 27.), that the di-
dynamy of Acanthaceae is frequently different from that of Scrophularineae in
the posterior pair of stamens being the longest, and the anterior pair shortest.
Geography. Common in all tropical countries, and only found beyond
them in very hot ones. In North America a few species extend to the north-
ward as far as Pennsylvania : and in Europe two are found in the basin of the
Mediterranean.
Properties. Scarcely known. Acanthus mollis is considered emollient ;
Justicia bifiora is used in Egypt for poultices ; J. Ecbolium is said to be diu-
retic. Dec. The flowers, leaves, and root of Justicia Adhatoda are supposed
to possess antispasmodic qualities. They are bitterish and subaromatic. Ains-
lie, 2. 3. Justicia pectoralis, boiled in sugar, yields a sweet-scented syrup,
which is considered in Jamaica a stomachic. Swartz. 1. 32. The leaves and
tender stalks of Justicia Gendarussa have, when rubbed, a strong and not un-
pleasant smell, and are, after being roasted, prescribed in India in cases of chro-
nic rheumatism attended with swelling in the joints. Ainslie, 2. 68. The basis
of a famous French bitter tincture, called Drogue Amere, highly valued for its
stomachic and tonic properties, is the Justicia paniculata, called Creyat in India.
Ibid. 1. 96. The leaves of Ruellia strepens are subacrid. Ibid. 2. 153. An-
other species is reckoned a diuretic in Java. Ibid.
Examples. Justicia, Lepidagathis, Ruellia, Acanthus.
CCXV. PEDALINE/E. The Oil-Seed Tribe.
Pedalinje, R. Brown Prodr. 519. (1810); Lindlcy in Botan. Register, 9. 934. (1825).—
Sesames, Kunth Synops. 2. 251. (1823). — MaktyniacejE, Link Handb. 1. 504. (1829) a
sect, of Personata.
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior 1 -celled or spuri-
ously 4- or 6-celled short woody dehiscent or indehiscent fruit, a woody vari-
ously-lobed placenta, irregular unsymmetrical flowers, and exalbuminous apte-
rous definite seeds.
Anomalies. Sesamum has indefinite seeds.
Essential Character. — Calyx divided into 5 nearly eqvjal pieces. Corolla monopetalous,
hypogynous, irregular; the throat ventricose, the limb bilabiate. Stamens didynamous,
included within the tube, together with a rudiment of a fifth. Ovarium seated in a glandu-
lar disk, unilocular or bilocular, with several 1- or 2-seedcd spurious cells, formed by the
splitting of two placentas and the divergence of their lobes ; ovules either erect, or pendulous,
or horizontal; style 1 ; stigma divided. Fruit drupaceous, juicclcss, with several cells formed
as those of the ovarium. Seeds pendulous, with a papery testa; albumen none; embryo-
straight. — Herbaceous plants, heaves opposite. Flowers axillary, each with two bractea%
Affinities. These differ from Bignoniacere in their wingless seeds, which
are usually definite, and in their woody parietal lobed placentae, which spread
233
and divide variously in the inside of the pericarpium, so as to produce an appa-
rently 4- or 6-celled fruit out of a 1 -celled ovarium. For an explanation of
the manner in which this takes place, see the Botan. Register, fol. 934. From
Cyrtandraceae they are known by their large seeds, free from all appendage at
either end, by their woody placentas, and short fruit. Sesamum may be con-
sidered a transition from the one to the other.
Geography. Found only within the tropics of Africa, Asia, and Ame-
rica.
Properties. The leaves of Sesamum are emollient. Jts seeds contain
an abundance of a fixed oil, as tasteless as that of Olive od, for which it might
be substituted, and which is expressed in Egypt in great quantities. The
fresh leaf of Pedalium murex, when agitated in water, renders it mucilagi-
nous, in which state it is prescribed by Indian doctors in cases of dysuria and
gonorrhoea.
Examples. Pedalium, Petrea, Josephinia, Martynia, Sesamum.
CCXVI. CYRTANDRACEAE.
Ctrtandraceje, Jack in Linn. Trans. 14. 23. (read 1822, in May). — Didymocarpeje, Don
in Edinb. Phil. Journ. 7. 82. (1822, July); Prodr. Fl. JS'ep. 121. (1825); Martins H.
R. Man. (1829).
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior 1-celled or spuri-
ously 2-celled fruit, irregular unsymmetrical flowers, exalbuminous apterous
minute seeds, and membranous double placentae.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx csmpanulate, 5-cleft or 5-leaved, equal. Corolla tubular,
irregular, 5-lobed, somewhat 2-lipped, the lobes imbricated in {estivation. Stamens 4, didy-
namous, of which 2 are sometimes sterile; anthers 2-celled. Ovarium superior, elongated,
surrounded by an annular disk, 1-cellcd, with 2 many-seeded placentae, each of which consists
of 2 diverging plates ; style filiform; stigma 2-lobed, or consisting of 2 plates. Fruit capsu-
lar or succulent ; the former siliquose and 2-valved, 1-cellcd, with double longitudinal pla-
centae, which often cohere, so as to give the appearance of two cells. Seeds very numerous,
minute, suspended, naked, or with a coma; albumen none; embryo straight, taper, orthotro-
pous. — Terrestrial or parasitical plants, usually herbaceous and stemless, occasionally cau-
lescent, and sometimes shrubby. Leaves usually opposite, one of them being dwarfed, radi-
cal, crenate and rugose, or smooth. Flowers umbellate, often purple or pink.
Affinities. Very closely allied to Gesnerea, Bignoniaceaa, and Pedalinea3.
From the former they differ in nothing except their never having any tendency
to produce an inferior ovarium, their deeply-lobed placenta, their usually sili-
quose fruit, and the want of albumen ; agreeing entirely with them in habit.
From Bignoniacese they are distinguished by their herbaceous mode of growth,
their minute apterous seeds, 1-celled ovarium, with 2 double parietal placentae.
From Pedalineas they differ in nothing whatever, except their minute indefinite
seeds, and the membranous, not woody, texture of the fruit and placentae.
Sesamum forms a transition from the one order to the other, which would, per-
haps, be better combined. Mr. Don appears to me to have been mistaken in
assigning an heterotropous embryo to this tribe ; the embryo is certainly ortho-
tropous in Streptocarpus Rexii, with which the other genera no doubt agree.
Von Martius refers Ramonda hither.
Geography. They occupy nearly the same station in the Old World as
Gesnereee in the New, being almost entirely confined to the tropics, unless the
40
234
Ramonda of the Pyrenees should be found a genuine plant of the order, as
Von Martius supposes.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Cyrtandra, Didymocarpus, Chirita, Incarvillea.
CCXVII. BIGNONIACEiE. The Trumpet-Flower Tribe.
Biqnonije. § 2. Juss. Gen. 137. (1789).— Bignoniace*, JR. Broun Prodr. 470. (1810); Link
Handb. 1. 503. (1829) a sect, of Personate.
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior 2-celled capsule,
a central placenta, irregular unsymmetrical flowers, and exalbuminous winged
seeds.
Anomalies. Eccremocarpus has a 1-celled fruit with parietal placentse.
The fruit is sometimes spuriously 4-celled.
Essential Character. — Calyx divided or entire, sometimes spathaceoug. Corolla mono-
petalous, hypogynous, usually irregular, 4-5-lobed. Stamens 5, unequal, always 1, sometimes
3, sterile; anthers 2-celled, formed normally. Ovarium seated in a. disk, 2-celled, or spuri-
ously 4-celled, polyspermous ; style 1 ; stigma of 2 plates. Capsule 2-valved, 2-celled, often
long- and compressed, sometimes spuriously 4-celled. Dissepiment either parallel with the
valves, or contrary to them, finally becoming separate, bearing the seeds at the commissure
along with the valves. Seeds transverse, compressed, often winged ; albumen 0 ; embryo
straight, foliaceous ; radicle centrifugal.— Trees or shrubs, often twining or climbing.
Leaves opposite, very rarely alternate, compound or occasionally simple, without stipula.
Inflorescence terminal, somewhat panicled.
Affinities. Distinguished from Scrophularinese and their immediate allies
by the want of albumen, from Acanthacese by their winged seeds, and from
both by their arborescent habit. Eccremocarpus is, however, an exception to
the latter character, and also differs in having an unilocular ovarium and fruit ;
in the latter respect approaching Cyrtandracese and Pedalineae, from which,
however, its winged seeds divide it. This wing to the seed is a beautiful
membrane formed of transparent cellular tissue, which, in an Indian unpub-
lished genus given me by Dr. Wallich, offers an instance of reticulated cellules,
analogous to those of Maurandia Barclay ana. There do not appear to be any
very certain limits between Bignoniacese, Cyrtandracea?, and Pedalineae, which
might be reunited without much inconvenience. Eccremocarpus may be con-
sidered the link between the two former, and Sesamum that between the two
latter.
Geography. The tropics of either hemisphere are their chief station,
from which they extend northwards in North America as far as Pennsylvania,
and southwards into the southern provinces of Chile. In Europe they are
unknown.
Properties. Little known, except the great beauty of their flowers.
Chica is a red feculent substance obtained by boiling the leaves of Bignonia
Chica in water ; the Chica is quickly precipitated by adding some pieces of
the bark of an unknown tree, called Arayana. The Indians use it for paint-
ing their bodies red ; it is also becoming an article of importance to dyers.
Brewster, 2. 370. It approaches in nature the resins, but contains some
peculiar properties : it gives an orange red to cotton. Ed. P. J. 12. 417. The
tough shoots of Bignonia Cherere are woven into wicker-work ; and several
kinds of Bignonias form large trees in the forests of Brazil, where they are
235
felled for the sake of their timber ; that called Ipe-tabacco furnishes durable
ship-timber ; the Ipeuna, another species, the hardest wood in Brazil. Pr.
JVIax. Travels, p. 68. Another, called the Pao d'arco, supplies one of the
best kinds of woods used for bows by the Brazilian Indians, especially the
Botocudos of the Rio Grand de Belmonte, and the Patachos of the Rio do
Prado. Ibid. 238.
Examples. Bignonia, Jacaranda, Spathodea.
CCXVIII. MYOPORINEiE.
Myopoeinje, R. Brown Prodr. 514. (1810.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with irregular unsymmetrical
flowers, a superior 2- or 4-celled ovarium with definite pendulous ovules, inde-
hiscent fruit, a superior radicle, and albuminous seeds.
Anomalies.
Essential'Characteb. — Calyx 5-parted, persistent. Corolla monopetalous, hypogynous,
nearly equal or 2-lipped. Stamens 4, didynamous, with sometimes the rudiment of a fifth
one, which occasionally bears pollen. Ovarium 2- or 4-celled, the cells 1- or 2-seeded, with
pendulous ovules; style lj stigma scarcely divided. Fruit a drupe, with a 2- or 4-celled
putamen, the cells of which are 1- or 2-seeded. Seeds with albumen ; embryo taper ; radicle
superior. — Shrubs, with scarcely any pubescence. Leaves simple, without stipula;, alternate
or opposite. Flowers axillary, without bractea?. R. Br.
Affinities. The principal characters in the fructification of this order, by
which it is distinguished from Verbenacere, are the presence of albumen in the
ripe seed, and the direction of the embryo, whose radicle always points towards
the apex of the fruit. The first of these characters is, however, not absolute,
and neither of them can be ascertained before the ripening of the seed. R.
Broiun in Flinders, 567.
Geography. This order, with the exception of Bontia, a genus of equi-
noctial America, and of the species of Myoporum, found in the Sandwich
Islands, has hitherto been observed only in the southern hemisphere, and yet
neither in South Africa nor in South America beyond the tropics. Its maxi-
mum is evidently in the principal parallel of Terra Australis, in every part of
which it exists ; in the more southern parts of New Holland, and even in Van
Diemen's Island, it is more frequent than within the tropics. R. Brown in
Flinders, 567.
Properties. The bark of Avicennia tomentosa, the White Mangrove of
Brazil, is in great use at Rio Janeiro for tanning. Pr. JWax. Trav. 206.
Examples. Mvoporum, Stenochilus, Pholidia, Eremophila.
CCXIX. SELAGINE.E.
Selagine*, Juss. Ann. Mus. 7. 71. (1806); Richard in Pers. Synops. 2. 146. (1807); Choisy
Memoir e, (1823.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with irregular unsymmetrical
flowers, a superior 2-celled ovarium with definite erect ovules, indehiscent
fruit, a superior radicle, albuminous seeds, and alternate leaves.
Anomalies.
23G
Essential Character. — Calyx tubular, persistent, with a definite number of teeth, of
divisions, rarely consisting- of two sepals. Corolla tubular, hypogynous, more or less irregu-
lar, with 5 lobes. Stamens 4, usually didynamous, arising from the top of the tube of
the corolla, seldom 2 ; anthers usually adnate to the dilatedtop of the filament, rarely ver-
satile. Ovarium superior, very minute; style 1, filiform. Fruit 2-celled, the cells either
separable or inseparable, 1-seeded, membranous. Seed solitary, erect; embryo in the axis of
fleshy albumen ; radicle inferior. — Herbaceous plants, or small branched shrubs. Leaves
alternate, usually sessile, toothed, or entire, often fascicled. Flowers sessile, spiked, with
large bractece.
Affinities. Distinguished from Verbenacee by the radicle being superior,
instead of inferior, and the leaves alternate ; from Myoporinee by the seeds
being erect, not pendulous, and the embryo consequently antitropous, not
orthotropous. M. Choisy remarks, that " if, on the one hand, we examine
Selaginee, Verbenacee, and Myoporinee, and, on the other, Dipsacee, Com-
posite, and Calyceree, we shall find a perfect symmetry between their respec-
tive characters ; thus Dipsaceae differ from Composite exactly as Selaginee
from Verbenacee, by the inverted embryo and the presence of albumen, and
Calyceree differ from Composite as Myoporineae from Verbenaceae, by their
pendulous ovulum ; therefore, as every one admits Dipsaceae and Calycereae,
it seems natural to admit Selaginee and Myoporinee." JWemoire, p. 9.
Related to Scrophularinee through Erinus and Manulea, and to Acanthaceae
through Eranthemum. The essential character is taken from M. Choisy.
Geography. All found at the Cape of Good Hope.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Selago, Polycenia, Agathelpis, Hebenstreitia.
CCXX. VERBENACEE. The Vervain Tribe.
Vitices, Juss. Gen. 106. (1789).— Verbenaceje, Juss. in Ann. Mus. 7. 63. (1806); R. Brown
Prodr. 510. (1810); Lindl. Synops. 195. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior undivided ovarium,
a terminal style, irregular unsymmetrical flowers, indehiscent 2- or 4-celled
fruit, opposite leaves, and solitary seeds with an inferior radicle.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx tubular, persistent, inferior. Corolla hypogynous, mono-
petalous, tubular, deciduous, generally with an irregular limb. Stamens usually 4, didyna-
mous, seldom equal, occasionally 2. Ovarium 2- or 4-ccllcd; ovules erect or pendulous, soli-
tary or twin; style 1 ; stigma bind or undivided. Fruit drupaceous, or baccate. Seeds erect
or pendulous; albumen none, or in very small quantity; embryo erect.— Trees or shrubs,
Fn-.neiimes herbaceous plants. Leaves generally opposite, simple or compound, without stipule.
Flowers in opposite corymbs, or spiked alternately ; sometimes in dense heads ; very seldom
axillary and solitary.
Affinities. The difference between these plants and Labiatae consists in
the concrete carpelfa of the former, their terminal style, and the usual absence of
reservoirs of oil from their leaves, as contrasted with the deeply 4-lobed ovarium
and aromatic leaves of the latter. There are, however, particular species of
Labiate which approach Verbenaceae very closely, so that Mr. Brown has re-
marked (Congo, 451.), that it has been difficult to distinguish the two orders.
Verbenaceae differ from Myoporinee and Selagineae in the position of the
radicle, which in the former points to the base, and in the two latter to the apex
of the fruit. There are also other points of difference, which will be men-
tioned under those orders. Acanthacee and Scrophularinee differ in not having
237
1- or 2-seeded indehiscent cells. Mr. Brown remarks, that although all the
genera of Vcrbenaceac have an embryo whose radicle points towards the base
of the fruit, yet many of them have pendulous seeds, and consequently a radicle
remote from umbilicus. Flinders, 567. Aug. dc St. Hilaire asserts, that all,
except Avicennia, have a sessile erect ovulum arising from the base of each
cell. PI. Usuelles, 40. Mr. Brown, however, places Avicennia in Myoporineae.
Geography. Rare in Europe, northern Asia, and North America; com-
mon in the tropics of both hemispheres, and in the temperate districts of South
America. In the tropics they become shrubs, or even gigantic timber, but in
colder latitudes they are mere herbs.
. Properties. Not of much importance in a medicinal or economical point
of view. Callicarpa lanata bark has a peculiar subaromatic and slightly bit-
terish taste, and is chewed by the Cingalese when they cannot obtain Betel
leaves; the Malays reckon the plant diuretic. Ainslie, 2. 180. Stachytar-
pheta jamaicensis is a plant to which the Brazilians attach the same false no-
tions of powerful action as Europeans formerly did to the common Vervain.
Its leaves are sometimes used to adulterate Chinese Tea, and have even been
sent to Europe under the name of Brazilian Tea. PL Usuelles, p. 39. M.
Auguste St. Hilaire speaks in terms of high praise of the agreeable properties
of the aromatic Lantana pseudo-thea, used in infusion as tea. It is highly es-
teemed in Brazil, where it is vulgarly called Capitao do matto, or Cha de pe-
dreste. Ibid. p. 70. The root of Premna integrifolia is cordial and stomachic
in decoction. Ainslie, 2. 210. Silex exists in abundance in the wood of the
Teak Tree (Tectona grandis), which belongs here. Ed. P. J. 3. 413. The
properties formerly ascribed to the Vervain appear to have been imaginary.
Examples. Verbena, Vitex, Clerodendron, Callicarpa.
CCXXI. LABIATES. The Mint Tribe.
Labiatje, Jvss. Gen. 110. (1789); R. Brown Prodr. 499. (1810) ; Mirbel in Ann. Mus. IB.
213. (1810) ; Lindl. Synops. 196. (1829) ; Bentham in Bot. Reg. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with a superior 4dobed ovarium,
and irregular unsymmetrical flowers.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx tubular, 5 or 10-toothed, inferior, persistent, the odd
tooth being next the axis ; regular or irregular. Corolla monopetalous, hypogynous, bilabiate ;
the upper lip undivided or bifid, overlapping the lower, which is larger and 3-lobed. Stamens
4, didynamous, inserted upon the corolla, alternately with the lobes of the lower lip, the 2
upper sometimes wanting; anthers 2-celled ; sometimes apparently unilocular in consequence
of the confluence of the cells at the apex ; sometimes 1 cell altogether obsolete, or the 2 cells
separated by a bifurcation of the conncctivum. Ovarium deeply 4-lobed, seated in a fleshy
hypogynous disk ; the lobes each containing 1 erect ovulum ; style 1, proceeding from the base
of the lobes of the ovarium; stigma bifid, usually acute. Fruit 1 to 4 small nuts, enclosed
within the persistent calyx. Seeds erect, with little or no albumen ; embryo erect , cotyledons
flat. — Herbaceous plants or under- shrubs. Stem 4-cornered, with opposite ramifications.
Leaves opposite, divided or undivided, without stipule, replete with receptacles of aromatic
oil. _ Flowers in opposite, nearly sessile, axillary cymes, resembling whorls ; sometimes as if
capitate.
Affinities. The 4-lobed ovarium, with a solitary style arising from the
base of the lobes, has no parallel among monopetalous orders, except in Bora-
gineae, to which Labiatae must be considered as most closely allied. They
differ in the latter having not only an irregular corolla, but not more than 2 or
238
4 stamens, while the lobes of the corolla are 5, and opposite leaves ; circim>
stances in which Labiate resemble Scrophularineae and the orders allied to it.
From all such they are known, in the absence of fructification, by their square
stem and the numerous reservoirs of oil in their leaves. For some good re-
marks upon the anatomy of the stem of Labiatse, see Mirbel in the Annales du
Museum, vol. 15. p. 223. The aestivation of the corolla of this order, first well
pointed out by Mr. Brown (Prodr. 500), is an important consideration in deter-
mining whether a flower is resupinate or not. Prostanthera is remarkable for
the appendages to its anthers, and for the remains of albumen existing hi the
ripe seeds of several of its species. Brown in Flinders, 566. An arrangement
of the genera has been published by Mr. Benthain in the Botanical Register,
folios 1282, 1289, 1292, and 1300 ; a very difficult task, on account of the ex-
tremely close relationship which exists between all the species of this natural
family, but one which has been executed in a most skilful and satisfactory man-
ner. According to Dr. Griesselich, the reservoirs of oil in the leaves of Labi-
ates are not analogous to those of Oranges and other plants, but are little utri-
cules having an open orifice ; and hence he calls them pores. Ferussac, Jan.
1830, p. 96.
Geography. Natives of temperate regions in greater abundance than else-
where, their maximum probably existing between the parallels of 40° and 50°
N. latitude. They are found in abundance in hot, dry, exposed situations, in
meadows, hedgerows, and groves ; not commonly in marshes. In France they
form l-24th of the Flora ; in Germany, l-26th ; in Lapland, l-40th ; the pro-
portion is the same in the United States of North America, and within the
tropics of the New World (Humboldt) ; in Sicily they are 1-21 of flowering
plants (Presl.) ; in the Balearic islands, 1-1 9th. About 200 species are men-
tioned in Dr. Wallich's Catalogue of the Indian Flora, a large proportion of
which is from the northern provinces. They were not found in Melville Island.
Properties. Their tonic, cordial, and stomachic qualities, due to the pre-
sence of an aromatic volatile od and a bitter principle, are the universal feature
of Labiatae, which do not contain a single unwholesome or even suspicious
species. On account of the bitter qualities, several are used as febrifuges, as
the Ocymum febrifugum of Sierra Leone ; and many as aromatics in our food,
such as Savory, Mint, Marjoram, and Basil. Others are found useful in the
preparation of slightly tonic beverages, such as Glechoma hederacea, Sage,
Balm of Gilead, &c. When the volatile oil is in great abundance, as in Laven-
der and Thyme, an agreeable perfume is the result. Rosemary is the herb
used in the manufacture of Hungary water. The leaves of Ocymum album
are considered by the natives of India stomachic, and their juice is prescribed in
the catarrhs of children. Ainslie, 2. 92. The fresh juice of Anisochilus (La-
vandula carnosa L.) mixed with powdered sugar candy, is prescribed by the
native practitioners of India in cynanche. Ibid. 2. 144. Tonic and stimulant
properties have been ascribed to the Origanum Dictamnus. Ibid. 1. 112. It
is asserted that the juice of the bruised leaves of Phlomis esculenta, drawn up
the nose, is a specific against the bite of serpents ; but there is reason to doubt
the truth of this statement, as the plant, which is a common weed in Bengal,
possesses but a slight aromatic scent, and has scarcely any flavour. Trans.
•M. and P. Soc. Calc. 2. 405. Hedeoma pulegioides, the Pennyroyal of the
North Americans, has a great popular reputation as an emmenagogue. Barton,
2. 168. Cunila mariana is beneficially emplo}red in infusion in slight fevers and
colds, with a view to excite perspiration. Ibid. 2. 175. The roots of Stachys
palustris are described as an esculent by Mr. Joseph Iloulton. The Panax
Coloni of old botanists is the same thing. Trans. Soc. Arts, 46. 8. Perhaps
the most singular quality of these plants is their containing an abundance of
camphor, a substance which seems to exist in the whole tribe, and which is
239
found so copiously in the oils of Sage and Lavender as to be capable of being
advantageously extracted.
Examples. Lamium, Mentha, Stachys, Thymus.
CCXXII. BORAGINE.E. The Borage Tribe.
Bohagine*, Juss. Gen. 143. (1789) ; R. Brown Prodr. 492. (1810) ; Lindl. Synops. 163. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a deeply
lobed superior ovarium, and round stems.
Anomalies. Echium has rather irregular flowers ; Benthamiahas 4 coty-
ledons.
Essential Character.— Ca7y.r persistent, with 4 or 5 divisions. Corolla hypogynous,
monopetalous, generally regular, 5-cleft, sometimes 4-cleft, with an imbricate aestivation.
Stamens inserted upon the petals, equal to the number of lobes of the corolla, and alternate
with them. Ovarium 4-parted, 4-seeded; ovula attached to the lowest point of the cavity
(pendulous, K. Br.) ; style simple, arising from the base of the lobes of the ovarium; stigmas
simple or bifid. Nuts 4, distinct. Seed separable from the pericarpium, destitute of albumen.
Embryo with a superior radicle ; cotyledons parallel with the axis, plano-convex, sometimes
4 \— Herbaceous plants or shrubs. Stems round. Leaves alternate, covered with asperities,
consisting of hairs proceeding from an indurated enlarged base. Flowers in 1-sided spikea
or racemes, or panicles, sometimes solitary and axillary.
Affinities. Nearly allied to Labiataa, from which they are essentially dis-
tinguished by the regularity of the corolla, the presence of 5 fertile stamens,
the absence of resinous dots, the round (not square) figure of the stem, and the
scabrous alternate leaves. On account of this last character, they are often
called Asperifolise. From all other monopetalous orders they are known by
the 4 deep lobes of the ovarium, called by Linnean botanists naked seeds. Hy-
drophylleae, Heliotropicese, Cordiacese, and Ehretiaceae, are all distinguished by
their undivided ovarium, but, together with Boragineae, are known by the
quaternary structure of their ovarium and the quinary division of the corolla
and stamens.
Geography. Natives principally of the temperate countries of the northern
hemisphere ; extremely abundant in all the southern parts of Europe, the Le-
vant, and middle Asia ; less frequent as we approach the arctic circle, and
almost disappearing within the tropics. A few species only are found in such
latitudes. In North America they are less abundant than in Europe. Pursh
reckons but 22 species in the whole of his Flora ; while the little island of
Sicily alone contains 35, according to Presl.
Properties. Soft, mucilaginous, emollient properties, are the usual cha-
racteristics of this order ; some are also said to contain nitre, a proof of which
is shown by their frequent decrepitation when thrown on the fire. Borago of-
ficinalis gives a coolness to beverage in which its leaves are steeped. Echium
plantagineum, naturalized in Brazil, is used in that country for the same pur-
poses as the Borago officinalis in Europe. PI. Usuelles, 25. The roots of An-
chusa tinctoria or Alkanet, Lithospermum tinctorium, Onosma echioides,
Echium rubrum, and Anchusa virginica, contain a reddish brown substance
used by dyers. This matter is thought to be a peculiar chemical principle ap-
proaching the resins.
Examples. Borago, Lycopsis, Anchusa.
240
CCXXIII. HELIOTROPICEjE. The Heliotrope Tribe.
Heliotropice.e, Martius N. G. et Sp. 2. 75. and 138. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
4-celled ovarium with solitary pendulous ovules, 5 stamens, and exalbuminous
seeds with plano-convex cotyledons.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx inferior, hypogynous, 5-parted, persistent. Corolla hypo-
gynous, monopetalous, regular, with a 5-parted limb, the segments of which are imbricated
in aestivation. Stamens arising from the tube of the corolla, and alternate with the segments ;
anthers innate ; pollen globose. Ovarium entire, 4-celled, with 4 pendulous ovula ; style ter-
minal, simple ; stigma simple. Fruit drupaceous, separable into 4 pieces, terminated by the
persistent style. Seeds pendulous, solitary ; embryo without albumen, with fleshy plano-con-
vex cotyledons and a minute radicle curved downwards and turned towards the hilum. — Half
shrubby and herbaceous plants, covered over with asperities. Leaves alternate, simple, without
stipule. Flowers in terminal fascicles, cymes, or corymbs.
Affinities. Distinguished from Boraginea^ solely by having a style pro-
ceeding from the apex of an undivided ovarium of several cells, by the drupa-
ceous fruit separating in pieces, and the absence of albumen.
Geography. Common in the hotter parts of South America, the East and
West Indies, the north of Africa, and the Levant ; a few are found in the south
of Europe and the southern states of America, but none appear to dwell fur-
ther north than the parallel of 45°.
Properties. Unknown, except that some of the species are remarkable for
their fragrance. Most of them are insignificant weeds.
Examples. Heliotropium, Preslea.
CCXXIV. EHRETIACE^.
Ehbetiacej3, Martius N. G. et Sp. 2. 136. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
2- or more-celled ovarium with suspended ovules, 5 lobes to the calyx, and
albuminous seeds.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx inferior, 5-parted, imbricated in aestivation. Corolla mo-
nopetalous, tubular, with as many segments of its limb as the calyx, with an imbricated esti-
vation. Stamens alternate with the segments of the corolla, and equal to them in number,
arising from the bottom of the tube ; anthers innate ; pollen minute, elliptical. Ovarium
simple, seated in an annular disk, 2- or more celled ; style terminal ; stigma simple, 2-lobed,;
ovules suspended. Fruit drupaceous, with as many stems as there are true cells of the ova-
rium. Seed suspended, solitary ; testa simple, thin ; embryo in the midst of thin fleshy albu-
men ; radicle superior ; cotyledons plano-convex. — Trees or shrubs, with a harsh pubescence.
Leaves simple, alternate, without stipuhe. Flowers corymbose.
Affinities. Another branch of the old Boragincrc, distinguished by a
terminal style proceeding from the apex of a perfectly concrete ovarium of 4
cells, a baccate fruit, and seeds furnished with thin fleshy albumen. Of these
characters I conceive the former to be good, and the latter bad ; and the order
itself, which I adopt upon the authority of Dr. Von Martius, hardly tenable,
differing from Heliotropiceae chiefly in its succulent (not dry) separable
fruit.
241
Geography. Tropical trees or shrubs, natives of either hemisphere.
Properties. The root of Ehretia buxifolia is reckoned in India one of
those medicines which assist in altering and purifying the habit in cases of
cachexia and venereal affections of long standing. Jlinslie, 2. 81.
Examples. Ehretia, Tournefortia, Khabdia, Beurreiia?
CCXXV. CORDIACEiE.
It. Brown Prodr. 492. (1810), without a name; Martius N. G. et Sp. 2. 138. (1828), without a
name. — L'ordiaceje, Link Handb. 1. 569. 1829). — Arguzije, ib.
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
4-celled ovarium with solitary pendulous ovules, 5 stamens, and exalbuminous
seeds with plaited shrivelled cotyledons.
Anomalies. '
Essential Character. — Calyx inferior, 5-toothed. Corolla monopetalous, with the limb
in 5 divisions. Stamens alternate with the segments of the corolla, out of which they arise;
anthers versatile. Ovarium superior, 4-celled, with 1 pendulous ovulum in each cell; style
continuous ; stigma 4-cleft, with recurved segments. Fruit drupaceous, 4-celled, part of
the cells frequently abortive. Seed pendulous from the apex of the cells by a long funiculus,
upon which it is turned back; embryo inverted, with the cotyledons plaited longitudinally;
albumen 0. — Trees. Leaves alternate, scabrous without stipula;, of a hard harsh texture.
Flowers panicled, with minute bracteae.
Affinities. The plaited cotyledons and dichotomous style first induced
the separation of this order from Boraginese, with which it was formerly
associated, chiefly, it is to be supposed, on account of the roughness of the
leaves. Von Martius well remarks, that it is in fact much nearer Convolvu-
laceaa, from which it differs in its inverted embryo and drupaceous fruit.
JVov. Gen. I. c.
Geography. Natives of the tropics of both hemispheres.
Properties. The flesh of their fruit is succulent, mucilaginous, and
emollient, as is seen in the Sebesten Plums, the produce of Cordia Myxa and
Sebestena.
Examples. Cordia, Geraschanthus, Cerdana, Varronia, Cordiopsis, Menais.
CCXXVI. HYDROPHYLLEvE. The Waterleaf Tribe.
It. Brown Prodr. 1. 492. (1810), without a name. — Hydrophylle.e, Von Martius N. G. et Sp.
2. 138. (1828) ; Link Handb. 1. 570. (1829), a%of Cordiacese.
Diagnosis. Monopetalous dicotyledons, with regular flowers, a superior
1 -celled ovarium with ovula attached to parietal or fungous stalked placentae,
and a naked stigma.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Calyx with 5 or 10 divisions, inferior. Corolla monopetalous,
regular, or nearly so, hypogynous, 5-lobed, with 2 lamellae at the base of each lobe. Stamens
alternate with the segments of the corolla, in aestivation inflexed; anthers ovate, innate,
2-celled, bursting longitudinally. Ovarium simple, 1-celled, superior, with slight traces of a
41
242
hypogynoU9 disk; style simple or divided, terminal; stigma bifid; ovules attached to 2 parie-
tal or fungous stalked placentae, either definite or indefinite. Fruit capsular, few- or many-
eeeded, invested with the permanent calyx. Seeds definite or indefinite; embryo taper, lying
towards the end of the albumen, which is abundant and somewhat cartilaginous; its radicle
superior and next the hilum. — Herbaceous hispid plants. Leaves either opposite or alternate,
but in the latter case lobed. Peduncles opposite the leaves.
Affinities. Very near Boragineae and the orders which have been recently
separated from it, with which Hydroplrylleae agree in the roughness of their
leaves and many other marks of obvious resemblance. They are, however,
known by their undivided 1-celled ovarium, terminal style or styles, and ovula
(if definite) attached to two stalked fungous placentae, which arise from the
base of the cell, having their ovula on their inner face, or (if indefinite) attached
to parietal placentae. They are further characterized by the presence of 2
scales or lamellae at the base of each lobe of the corolla, the nature of which
is unknown. The former mode of placentation is highly curious, and, as far
as I know, unlike that of any other plants.
Geography. American herbaceous plants, found either in the north or
among the most southern of the southern provinces ; not known beyond that
continent.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Hydrophyllum, Nemophila, Ellisia, Eutoca, Phacelia.
243
Tribe II. GYMNOSPERM^.
Synobhizs
, Rich. Anal. du. Fr. Eng. ed. 81. (1819).— Phanerogames Gvmnospebmes, Ad.
Brongniart Vegct. Foss. 88. (1828.)
These have nearly an equal relation to flowering and flowerless plants.
With the former they agree in habit, in the presence of stamens and pistils, and
in their vascular tissue being complete ; with Ferns and Lycopodiums, among
the latter, they also accord in habit, in the peculiar gyrate vernation of the
leaves of Cycadeaj, in their spiral vessels being imperfectly formed, and in the
reproductive organs being less complete than in other flowering plants ; the
pistils wanting a pericarpial covering, and receiving impregnation directly
through the foramen of the ovulum, without the intervention of style or stigma,
and the stamens consisting of leaves imperfectly contracted into an anther bear-
ing a number of pollen-cases upon their surface. So great is the resemblance
between Lycopodiums and certain Coniferae, that I know of no external charac-
ter, except size, by which they can be distinguished ; and it is, at least, as pro-
bable that some of those vegetables found in the ancient Flora of the world,
which have been considered gigantic Lycopodiums, are Coniferae, as that they
are flowerless plants. Gymnospermse are known from all other Vasculares by
the vessels of their wood having large apparent perforations, to which nothing
similar has yet been seen elsewhere. It is not, however, on this account to be
understood that these differ in growth from other Exogenous plants ; on the
contrary, they are essentially the same, deviating in no respect from the plan
upon which Exogenous plants increase, but having a kind of tissue peculiar to
themselves.
LIST OF THE ORDERS.
227. Cycadere. | 228. Coniferse.
CCXXVII. CYCADEiE.
Cycadeb, Rich, in Pers. Synops. 2. 630. (1807) ; Brown Prodr. 346. (1810) ; Kunth in Humb.
et Bonpl. Nov. Gen. et Sp. 2. 1. (1817); Synops. 1. 349. (1822); R. Brown in King's Voy-
age, (1825) ; Rich. Memoire, 195. (1826 ; Ad. Brogniart in Ann. des be. lb. 589. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Naked-seeded mucilaginous dicotyledons, with a round or
cylindrical undivided trunk, and pinnated leaves having a gyrate vernation and
parallel veins.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Flowers dioecious, terminal. Staminiferous monandrous, naked,
collected in cones ; each floret consisting of a single scale (or anther) bearing the pollen on its
under surface in 2-valved cases which adhere in clusters of 2, 3, or 4. Pvstilhferous either
244
collected in cones, or surrounding the central bud in the form of contracted leaves without
pinnEe, bearing the ovula on their margins. Ovula solitary, naked, with no other pericarpium
than the scale or contracted leaf upon which they are seated. Embryo in the midst of fleshy
or horny albumen ; the radicle next the apex of the seed, from which it hangs by a long funi-
culus with which it has an organic connexion.— Trees, with a simple cylindrical trunk, in-
creasing by the development of a single terminal bud, and covered by the scaly bases of the
leaves ; the wood consisting of concentric circles, the cellular zones between which are exceed-
ingly loose. Leaves pinnated, not articulated, having a gyrate vernation.
Affinities. One of the botanists who originally noticed the plants that
constitute this order referred them to the Fern tribe ; an opinion to which Lin-
naeus, having first adopted the idea of Adanson that they were related to Palms,
finally acceded. He was followed by other botanists, until, after some sugges-
tions by Ventenat that the genera Cycas and Zamia ought to form a particular
tribe, the present order was finally characterized by the late M. Richard in
Persoon's Synopsis, in 1807, with the observation that it was intermediate
between Ferns and Palms. The opinion of their affinity to Ferns seems to
have been thus generally adopted in consequence of their striking resemblance
in the mode of developing their leaves ; but the supposed relation to Palms was
suggested rather by a vague notion of some general resemblance, as for in-
stance, in their cylindrical trunks, than by an}' precise knowledge of the struc-
ture of Cycadeae. It is only within a fe.w years that a more accurate knowledge
of their" structure has determined the real nature of their affinities. In 1825,
the publication of Mr. Brown's remarks upon the ovulum, in which he demon-
strated the similarity of conformation between the flowers of Cycadese and Co-
niferse, suggested new ideas of the affinities of both tribes ; and the determina-
tion, in 1829, by M. Adolphe Brogniart, of the exact resemblance between these
two tribes in the structure of the vessels of their wood, while it decided the near
relation of Coniferae and Cycadese, confirmed the proximity of the former to
Ferns, and showed the inaccuracy of the ideas formerly held of a close resem-
blance between the latter and Palms. As this is still a matter but ill understood
in general, it may be useful to make some further remarks upon the subject.
It has been said that the dissimilarity between Cycadeae and Coniferae is such
as to render it impossible to admit of their close approximation in any natural
arrangement ; and that the affinity of Cycadeae being with Palms, the former
must necessarily be widely apart from Firs. These views of the subject appear
to have arisen either from an imperfect knowledge of the real vegetation of the
stem of Cycadeae, or from a too superficial consideration of such points as were
really well known. The affinity of Cycadese and Palms does at first sight
appear probable, in consequence of the large pinnated leaves and simple cylin-
drical stems of both tribes ; but here I think the resemblance stops. Cycadeae
have a gju-ate, Palms a convolute vernation ; Cycadeae are naked-seeded and
bear their seeds on the margins of a contracted leaf, Palms have the ordinary
inflorescence of flowering plants ; Cycadeae are dicotyledonous, Palms monoco-
tyledonous ; and finally, the internal structure of the trunk of Cycadeae is essen-
tially exogenous, as is now perfectly well known : the affinity of C3rcadeae is
therefore not with Palms. With regard to the nature of the evidence by which
their strict relation to the Pine tribe is to be established, it may be observed, that
they are both dicotyledonous in seed, both have naked ovula constructed in a
similar remarkable manner, and borne in both cases not upon a rachis, but upon
the margin or face of metamorphosed leaves ; that they have the same peculiar
form or inflorescence, the same kind of staminiferous flowers, the same constant
separation of the stamens and pistils ; that the arrangement of the veins of
their leaves is peculiar and identical ; that there is a like imperfect formation of
spiral vessels, a most important consideration ; and finally, that they both agree
in having the vessels of their wood apparently perforated with numerous holes ;
a character, as far as is yet known, exclusively confined to these two tribes.
245
The difference between the cylindrical simple stem of Cycadere and the branched
conical one of Conifera; arises from the terminal bud only of the former deve-
loping, its axillary ones all being uniformly latent, unless called into life by
some accidental circumstances, as in the case recorded in the Horticultural
Transactions, 6. 501. ; while in Conifers a constant tendency to a rapid evolu-
tion of leaf-buds takes place in every axilla. With regard to their foliage, on
which the difference of their aspect chiefly depends, I have already stated that
the arrangement of their veins is the same ; but the leaves of Conifene are mi-
nute and undivided, while those of Cycadeae are very large and pinnated ; in
both they are simple, and in Coniferae there is a tendency to a higher develop-
ment in the scales of the cones, while in Cycadea; there is a corresponding con-
traction firstly in Cycas itself, and especially in Zamia, in which the contraction
takes place to exactly the same point as the evolution of Coniferae.
Geography. Natives of the tropics of America and Asia; not found in
equinoctial Africa, although they exist at the Cape of Good Hope and in Ma-
dagascar. Brown Congo, 464.
Properties. The only remarkable quality in the order is the production
of a kind of Sago, by the soft centre of Cycas circinalis. They all abound in
a mucilaginous nauseous juice.
Examples! Cycas, Zamia.
CCXXVIII. CONIFERS. The Fir Tribe.
Conifers, Juss. Gen. 411. (1789) ; Mirbel Elimcns, 2. 906. (1815) ; Brown in King's Voyage,
Appendix, (1825); Rich. Monogr. (1826) ; Dec. and Duby, 431. (1828); Lindl. Synops.
240. (1329).
Diagnosis. Naked-seeded, resinous, dicotyledonous trees, with a branched
trunk, and simple leaves with parallel veins.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoecious or dioecious. Staminiferous monandrous or
monadelphous ; each floret consisting' of a single stamen, or of a few united, collected, in a
deciduous amentum, about a common rachis; anthers 2-lohed or many-lobcd, bursting- out-
wardly; often terminated by a crest, which is an unconverted portion of the scale out of
which each stamen is formed ; pollen large, usually compound. Pistilliferous usually in
cones, sometimes solitary. Ovarium, in the cones, spread open, and having the appearance
of a flat scale destitute of style or stigma, and arising from the axilla of a membranous
bractea ; in the solitary flower apparently wanting. Oxula naked ; in the cones in pairs on
the face of the ovarium, having an inverted position, and consisting- of 1 or 2 membranes
open at the apex, and of a nucleus ; in the solitary flower erect. Fruit consisting cither of a
solitary naked seed, or of a cone; the latter, formed of the scale-shaped ovaria, become en-
larged and indurated, and occasionally of the bractea? also, which are sometimes obliterated,
and sometimes extend beyond the scales in the form of a lobed appendage. Seeds with a hard
crustaceous integument. Embryo in the midst of fleshy oily albumen, with 2 or many oppo-
site cotyledons ; the radicle next the apex of the seed, and having an organic connexion with
the albumen. — Trees or shrubs, with a branched trunk abounding in resin. Leaves linear,
acerose or lanceolate, entire at the margins, or dilated and lobed, always having the veins
parallel with each other ; sometimes fascicled in consequence of the non-development of the
branch to which they belong ; when fascicled, the primordial leaf to which they arc then axil-
lary is membranous, and enwraps them like a sheath.
Affinities. With the exception of Orchidea?, there is perhaps no natural
order the structure of which has been so long and so universally misunderstood
as Coniferae. This has arisen from the exceedingly anomalous nature of their
organization, and from the investigations of botanists not having been con-
ducted with that attention to logical precision which is now found to be abso-
246
lutely indispensable. The description above given is that which I conceive
proper to explain the views now taken upon the subject, in consequence of the
discovery by Mr. Brown of the ovula of the whole order being naked ; and it
will probably be found to offer a more intelligible account of the fructification
than is to be met with in even the most recent systematic works. It is not ex-
pedient to enter here upon an inquiry into the ideas that botanists have suc-
cessively entertained upon this subject. Those who are desirous of informing
themselves upon this point, will find all they can desire in the Appendix to
Captain King's Voyage to New Holland, and in Richard's Mtmoires svr les
Conijercs et les Cijcadies. It may, however, be useful to advert briefly to the
principal theories which have met with advocates. These are, firstly, that the
pistilliferous flowers consist of a bilocular ovarium having a style in the form of an
external scale, an opinion held by Jussieu, Smith, and Lambert ; secondly, that
they have a minute cohering perianthium, and an external additional envelope
called the cupula: this view was taken by Schubert, Mirbel, and others;
thirdly, that they have a monosepalous calyx cohering more or less with the
ovarium, contracted and often tubular at the apex, with a lobed, or glandular,
or minute entire limb, an erect ovarium, a single pendulous ovulum, no style,
and a minute sessile stigma : this explanation is that of Richard, published in
his memoir upon the subject in 1826. It appears, however, from the observa-
tions of Mr. Brown, that the pistil of Conifers is a naked ovulum, the in-
teguments of which have been mistaken for floral envelopes, and the apex of
whose nucleus has been considered a stigma. Of the accuracy of this view
there is probably, at this time, little difference in opinion. These pistils, or
naked ovula, are in the cone-bearing genera 2 in number, and they originate
from the larger scales of the cone towards their base, have an inverted posi-
tion, and occupy the same relative place in Conifers and in Zamia, a genus of
Cycadeae. Now, as there cannot be any doubt of the perfect analogy that ex-
ists between the scales of the cone of Zamia and the fruit-bearing leaves of
Cycas, the former differing from the latter only in each being reduced to 2 ovula,
and to an undivided state ; so there can be no doubt of the equally exact ana-
logy between the scales of Cordferae and Zamia, and therefore the former would
be called reduced leaves if the general character of the tribe was to produce a
highly developed foliage ; but as the foliage of Conifers is in a much more con-
tracted state than the scales of their cones, the latter must be understood to be
the leaves of Conifers in a more developed state than usual. That the scales
of the cone really are metamorphosed leaves, is apparent not only from this
reasoning, but from the following facts. They occupy the same position with
respect to the bractere as the leaves do to their membranous sheaths ; they sur-
round the axis of growth as leaves do, and usually terminate it ; but in some
cases, as often in the Larch, the axis continues to elongate beyond them, and
leaves them collected round it in .the middle. In Araucaria they have abso-
lutely the same structure as the ordinary leaves ; and finally they sometimes
assume the common appearance of leaves, as is represented in Richard's me-
moir, tab. 12., in the case of a monstrous Abies. The scales of the cones of Coni-
fers and strobilaceous Cycadea3 are therefore to these orders, what carpellary
leaves are to other plants. With regard to the staminiferous flowers, it is obvious
that in the Ginkgo, the Larch, the Cedar of Lebanon, the Spruce, and the like,
each anther is formed of a partially converted scale, analogous to the indurated
carpellary scale of the pistils ; and therefore each amentum consists of a num-
ber of monandrous naked staminiferous flowers, collected about a common
axis. Some botanists, however, consider each staminiferous catkin as a single
monadelphous flower, which is impossible. But in the Yew the sterile flowers
consist of a peltate scale, around which are arranged several polliniferous ca-
vities ; while, in Araucaria, these cavities occupy one side only of an ordinary
217
flat scale. In the former case it is probable that the stamens are really mona-:
delphous ; an hypothesis which appears to derive confirmation from Ephedra,
in one species of which, ,E. altissima, they are solitary, while in the common
species they are manifestly monadelphous. In Araucaria, and such genera
as agree with it in structure, the anthers may be considered to consist of an
uncertain number of lobes, and in this respect to recede from the usual struc-
ture of the stamens of plants : in Conifcrae, the anthers of which are normal,
we have 2 ; in Ephedra, 4 ; in Juniperus, the like number ; in Cunninghamia,
but 3; in Agathis, 14 ; and in Araucaria, from 12 to 20. Mr. Brown remarks,
what is certainly very remarkable, that in Cunninghamia the lobes of the an-
ther agree in number, as well as insertion and direction, with the ovula !
King's Appendix, 32. .It would almost appear, from Mr. Brown's remarks
upon Gnetum or Thoa, that he considers that singular genus related to Coniferse.
But, independently of its very different habit, I confess it does not seem to me
certain that its ovula are naked, as Mr. Brown supposes : on the contrary, as
the nucleus has three coatings, I should rather understand the external at least
as analogous to a carpellum, if the two others are allowed to belong to the
ovulum, which I think admits of some degree of doubt. Coniferse occupy a
position, as it were, intermediate between Cellulares and Vasculares, approxi-
mating almost equally to each, connected with the former through Lycopodiacese,
and with the latter by the intervention of Myriceee and Cupuliferse, Salicinea?,
and Betulinese. With Lycopodiacese they agree in the general aspect of the
leaves and stems of several species, and in the nearly total absence, or at least
very imperfect formation, of spiral vessels ; with all the latter in their amenta-
ceous inflorescence, but especially with Myricese, which are both amentaceous
and resinous. But their most immediate relation is undoubtedly with Cycadese,
the following order, as is there explained. The aspect of CalUtris is so much
that of Equisetum and Casuarina, that it is difficult to doubt an affinity also
existing between them.
Geography. Natives of various parts of the world, from the perpetual
snows and inclement climate of arctic America, to the hottest regions of the
Indian Archipelago. The principal part of the order is found in temperate
climates ; in Europe, Siberia, China, and the temperate parts of North Ame-
rica, the species are exceedingly abundant, and have an aspect very different
from that of the southern hemisphere. In the former we have various species
of Pines, the Larch, the Cedar, the Spruce, and the Juniper ; the place of
which is supplied hi the latter by Araucarias, Podocarpuses, Dammars, and
Dacrydiums.
Properties. No order can be named of more universal importance to
mankind than this, whether we view it with reference to its timber or its secre-
tions. Gigantic in size, rapid in growth, noble in aspect, robust in constitution,
these trees form a considerable proportion of every wood or plantation in culti-
vated countries, and of every forest where nature remains in a savage state.
Their timber, in commerce, is known under the names of Deal, Fir, Pine, and
Cedar, and is principally the wood of the Spruce, the Larch, the Scotch Fir,
the Weymouth Pine, and the Virginian Cedar ; but others arc of at least
equal, if not greater, value : the Norfolk Island Pine is an immense tree,
known to botanists as Araucaria excelsa ; the Kawrie Tree of New Zealand,
or Dammara australis, attains the height of 200 feet, and yields a light com-
pact wood, free from knots ; the Dacrydium taxifolium, or Kakaterro, equals
this in stature. Ed. Ph. Journ. 13. 37S. But they are both surpassed by
the stupendous Pines of northwest America, one of which, P. Lambertiana,
is reported to attain the height of 230 feet, and the other, P. Douglasii (qu.
Pin us taxifolia ?), to equal or even to exceed it. The latter is probably the
most valuable of the whole for its timber. Their secretions consist of various
248
kinds of resin. Oil of turpentine, common and Burgundy pitch, are obtained
from Pinus sylvestris ; Hungarian balsam from Pinus Pumilio ; Bourdeaux
turpentine from P. Pinaster ; Carpathian balsam from P. Pinea ; Strasburg
turpentine from Abies pectinata (P. Picea L.), our Silver Fir ; Canadian bal-
sam from Abies balsamea, or the Balm of Gilead Fir. The common Larch
yields Venetian turpentine. Liquid storax is thought to be yielded by the
Dammar Pine ; and a substance called in India Dammar, or country resin, is
procured from the same plant, or from a tree which Dr. Buchanan calls Chlo-
roxylon Dupada. Ainslie, 1. 337. Sandarach, a whitish yellow, brittle,
inflammable, resinous substance, with an acrid aromatic taste, is said by Dr.
Thomson to exude from Juniperus communis ; but upon the authority of
Brongniart and Schousboe, it is the tears of Thuja articulata (or quadrivalvis.)
Ibid. 1. 379. The substance from which spruce beer is made is an extract of
the branches of the Abies canadensis, or Hemlock Spruce ; a similar prepara-
tion is obtained from the branches of Dacrydium in the South Seas. Great
tanning powers exist in the bark of the Larch ; as great, it is said, as in the
Oak. Ed. P. J. 1. 319. The stimulating diuretic powers of the Savin, Juni-
perus Sabina, are well known, and are partaken of in some degree by the com-
mon Juniper, the berries of which are an ingredient in flavouring gin. The
large seeds of many are eatable. The Stone Pine of Europe, the Pinus Cem-
bra, the Ginkgo, the Pinus Lambertiana and Gerardiana, the Araucaria Dom-
beyi, and Podocarpus neriifolia, are all eatable when fresh. The succulent
covering of the Yew fruit is foetid, and said to be deleterious by Decandolle ;
we all know that its seeds, if eaten, are highly dangerous.
Examples. Pinus, Cunninghamia, Araucaria.
249
Sub Class II. ENDOGENiE, or MONOCOTYLEDONOUS
PLANTS.
Monocotyledones, Juss. Gen. 21. (1789); Desf. Mem. List. 1. 478. (1796).— Endobhizej;,
Rich. Anal. (1808). — Monocotyledon-eve or Endogen«, Dec. Theorie, 209. (1813). —
Cryptocotyledone.e or Granifeeje, Agardh Aph. 73. (1821.)
Essential Character. — Trunk usually cylindrical when a terminal bud only is deve-
loped, becoming- conical and branched when several develope ; consisting- of cellular tissue,
among- which the vascular tissue is mixed in bundles, without any distinction of bark, wood,
and pith, and destitute of medullary rays ; increasing in diameter by the addition of new
matter to the centre. Leaves frequently sheathing at the base, and not readily separating- from
the stem by an articulation, mostly alternate, with parallel simple veins, connected by smaller
transverse ones. Flowers usually having a ternary division ; the calyx and corolla either dis-
tinct, or undistinguishable in colour and size, or absent. Embryo with but 1 cotyledon; if
with 2, then the accessory one is imperfect and alternate with the other ; radicle usually en-
closed within the substance of the embryo, through which it bursts when germinating.
Nothing can be more simple than the mode of distinguishing Monocotyledon
nous from Dicotyledonous plants, notwithstanding the difficulty of fixing upon
any single character of separation. It is .rue that the structure of the stem is
not sufficient, because it is frequently impossible, in annual plants, to ascertain
if it be Exogenous or Endogenous ; the parallel veins of the leaves of Mono-
cotyledons are not always constant, because some genera have reticulated
ones ; the want of articulation between the stem and the leaves, although very
prevalent in Monocotyledons, sometimes changes to perfect articulation, as in
OrchideaB ; the ternary division of the flower of Monocotyledons is often de-
parted from, as in Aroidese and the neighbouring orders ; many Dicotyledons
have also ternary floral envelopes ; Monocotyledons have sometimes more than
one cotyledon, as the common Wheat ; finally, when the stem is capable of
being strictly examined, a distinction between wood and pith occasionally ex-
ists, as in the common Rush and in the Bamboo ; and the conical branched
character of Dicotyledons is assumed in Grasses and Asphodeleae. Hence it
is by a combination of characters that the two great divisions are to be known,
and not by any absolute single mark : for instance, in Grasses, in which the
stem is, as an eminent botanist has justly remarked, less Endogenous than in
almost any other Monocotyledons, the leaves, flowers, and seeds, well show
them to be at once of the latter structure ; so in Juncus, in which pith is pre-
sent, no other character is at variance with those of Monocotyledons ; and
again in Orchidea?, in which a complete disarticulation of the stem and leaves
takes place, every other point of structure is that of Monocotyledons. Mr.
Brown has remarked {Congo, 481), that the presence of albumen may be con-
sidered as the natural structure of this primary division ; seeds without albu-
men occurring only in certain genera of the paradoxical Aroide*, and in some
other Monocotyledonous orders which are chiefly aquatic. It is a fact well
deserving attention, that Monocotyledons differ from Dicotyledons in their geo-
graphical distribution as well as in structure ; a remarkable proof of the hypo-
thesis, that the forms of vegetation are controlled by pecubarities of climate,
acting in an unknown manner. From the inquiries of Humboldt, it appears
that Monocotyledons form, in equinoctial regions, about l-6th of the flowering
plants ; in the temperate zone, between 36° and 52° latitude, l-4th ; and
towards the polar circle, nearly l-3d.
The most important substance that they produce is amylaceous matter,
which exists in great quantity in some of them, which hence become of incal-
42
250
culable value as aliment for man : such are all the Corn tribe, Plantains, and
some Palms, which contain it in their fruit ; the Sago and other Palms, in
which it occupies the trunk ; and the eatable Aroideous plants, Orchises, Yams,
&c, in which it is found in the root. Sugar, gluten, oil, and aromatic princi-
ples, are also frequently met with in Monocotyledons ; but, as Humboldt well
remarks, acids, bitters, resins, camphor, tannin, milk, or poisonous matter, are
either wholly wanting or very uncommon. The latter chiefly exists in Aroi-
dese, some Amaryllidese, and Melanthacere.
The orders of Monocotyledons are given in the state in which they now
exist ; but it must be confessed that the characters and hmits of many of them
are far from satisfactory. The whole of those which border upon Asphodeleae
require to be reconsidered by some botanist who is in possession of the means
of examining them in great detail ; their actual condition is, no doubt, attribu-
table to the partial view that has hitherto been taken of them. Some one
should do that for Asphodeleag which the late M. Richard so admirably exe-
cuted for Alismacese and their affinities.
Endogenous plants are conveniently divided into those in which the floral
envelopes are verticillate (Petaloideai), and those in which the flowers consist
of imbricated bracteae (Glumacece).
TRIBE I. PETALOIDEiE.
These comprehend all Monocotyledons except Grasses and Sedges. They
are known by their flowers being fully and normally developed ; or, if there
is no proper floral envelope, by the stamens and pistils being in that case
naked, and not covered by imbricated bracteee. Some of them have both the
calyx and corolla equally formed, and coloured so as to be undistinguishable,
unless by the manner in which those par^ originate: these constitute the
Hexapctaloideous form. Others have the calyx and corolla distinct, as in Dico-
tyledons, to which, in fact, they nearly approach in Butomese, which have a
strong analogy with Nymphceaceee, and in Alismaceae, which cannot be con-
sidered widely apart from Ranunculacese : these are named Tripetaloideous.
Lastly, there is a group of orders in which the floral envelopes have a manifest
tendency to abortion, being always small, and of a herbaceous colour, if pre-
sent ; often altogether wanting ; and frequently less than 6, the normal num-
ber of Monocotyledons : as many of them are arranged in a spadix, and as
most of them have a direct tendency to that kind of inflorescence, the form is
called Spadiceous.
LIST OF THE ORDERS.
229. Alismaceae.
230. Butomese.
231. Hydrocharidea?.
232. Commelinese.
233. Xyrideae.
234. Bromeliacese.
235. Hypoxidese.
236. Burmanniae,
237. Hffimodoracese.
238. Amaryllideae.
239. Irideae.
240. Orchidese.
241. Scitamineae.
242. Marantaceae.
243. Musacese.
244. Junceae.
245. Melanthaceae.
246. Pontedereae.
247. Asphodeleae.
248. Gilliesieae.
249. Smilacere.
250. Dioscorese.
251. Liliaceee.
252. Palmae.
253. Restiacese.
254. Pandaneae.
255. Typhacese.
256. Aroidete.
257. Balanophoreae.
258. Fluviales.
259. Juncagineae.
260. Pistiacea;.
251
CCXXTX. ALISMACE^E The Water-Plantain Tribe.
Alismaceje, R. Brown Prodr. 342. in part (1810) ; Nick, in Mem. Mus. 1. 365. (1815) ; Juss.
Diet. Sc. Nat. 1. 217. (1822) ; Limit. Synops. 253. (1829).-Alismoide.e. Dec. Ft. Fr. 3. 188.
(1815.)
Diagnosis. Tripetaloideous monocotyledons, with numerous, distinct, su-
perior carpella.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Sepals 3, herbaceous. Petals 3, petaloid. Stamens definite or
indefinite. Ovaries superior, several, 1-celled ; ovules erect or ascending, solitary, or 2 at-
tached to the suture at a distance from each other. Styles and stigmas the same number as
the ovaries. Fruit dry, not opening-, 1-or 2-seeded. Seeds without albumen ; embryo shaped
like a horse-shoe, undivided, with the same direction as the seed. — Floating plants. Leaves
with parallel veins.
Affinities. This order is to Monocotyledons what Ranunculaceae are to
Polypetalous Dicotyledons, and is in like manner recognised by its indefinite
distinct carpella and hypogynous stamens ; from Butomese it is known by the
indefinite ovula of that 0|der being scattered over the face of the cells. Junca-
gineae, sometimes referred to Alismacea?, appear nearer Aroideee, and are distin-
guished by their depauperated floral envelopes, concrete carpella, and straight
embryo having a lateral slit for the emission of the plumula. The plants be-
longing to Alismaceae, Hydrocharidere, Fluviales, Juncaginese, and Butomeae,
have all a disproportionately large radicle, whence the embryos of such were
called by the late M. Richard, macropodal.
Geography. Chiefly natives of the northern parts of the world. Several
Sagittarias and Actinocarpus inhabit the tropics, the former of both hemi-
spheres.
Properties. All aquatic plants with a lax tissue, and many with a fleshy
rhizoma, which is eatable ; such are Alisma and Sagittaria : a species of the
latter is cultivated for food in China. The herbage is acrid. Alisma Plantago
is one of the plants recommended in hydrophobia. JLgdh.
Examples. Sagittaria, Echinodorus, Alisma, Actinocarpus.
CCXXX. BUTOMEAE. The Flowering Rush Tribe.
Butome*, Richard in Mem. Mus. 1. 364. (1815); Lindley's Synopsis, 271. (1829) ; Dec. and
Duby, 437. (1828) a§ ofAlismacea?.
Diagnosis. Tripetaloideous monocotyledons, with the placenta? covering
the whole lining of the superior carpella.
Anomalies. In Butomus the calyx is more coloured than usual.
Essential Character. — Sepals 3, usually herbaceous. Petals 3, coloured, petaloid. Sta-
mens definite or indefinite, hypogynous. Ovaries superior, 3, 6, or more, either distinct or
united into a single mass ; stigmas the same number as the ovaries, simple. Follicles many-
seeded, either distinct and rostrate, or united in a single mass. Seeds minute, very numerous,
attached to the whole of the inner surface of the fruit ; albumen none; embryo with the same
direction as the seed. Aquatic plants. Leaves very cellular, often yielding a milky juice,
with parallel veins. Flowers in umbels, conspicuous, purple, or yellow.
Affinities. Although an undoubted tripetaloideous order, yet Butomese
stand between it and the hexapetaloideous ones, on account of the coloured
252
state of the calyx of Butomus itself. They are, however, readily known by the
remarkable circumstance of the placenta extending over the whole lining of the
fruit, which is formed either of separate or concrete carpella. In this respect
there is an evident analogy with Nymphseacese, which Limnocharis resembles
in the structure of its fruit. Butomere are most^ closely akin to Alismacese.
M. Decandolle has a remark (Syst. 2. 42.), that, no Endogenas are lactescent ;
but Limnocharis yields milk in abundance. This genus offers a singular ex-
ample of a large conspicuous open hole in the apex of its leaf, apparently des-
tined by nature as an outlet for superfluous moisture, which is constantly
distilling from it.
Geography. Natives of the marshes of Europe, and equinoctial America.
Properties. Butomus is acrid.
Examples. Butomus, Limnocharis, Hydrocleys.
CCXXXI. HYDROCHARIDEiE. The Frog-bit Tribe.
Hydrocharides, Juss. Gen. 67. (1789). — Hydbocharii>ek, Dec. Fl. Fr. 3. 265. (1815); R.
Brown Prodr. 344. (1810) ; Richard in Mem. Mus. vol. i. 365. (1815) ; Agardh Aph. 127.
(1822) ; Lindlei/s Synopsis, 254. (1829). — VallisneriacEjE and STRATiOTEJE,'Link Handb
1.281.(1829)
Diagnosis. Tripetaloideous monocotyledons, with an inferior ovarium, and
exalbuminous antitropous embryo. Water plants.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoclinous, or diclinous. Sepals 3, herbaceous. Pe-
tals 3, petaloid. Stamens definite or indefinite. Ovary single, inferior, 1- or many-celled ;
stigmas 3-6,- ovules indefinite, often parietal. Fruit dry or succulent, indehiscent, with 1 or
more cells. Seeds without albumen ; embryo undivided, antitropous. — Floating plants. Leaves
■with parallel veins, sometimes spiny. Flowers spathaceous.
Affinities. The water-plants are readily distinguished from all other mo-
nocotyledons by their tripetaloideous flowers, with an inferior ovarium : by this
they are separated from Alismacese, with which they agree in habit and want
of albumen, but from which they also differ, as Pomaces from Ranunculaces,
in the carpella being definite, not indefinite. Commelinea: are at once recog-
nised by their superior trilocular ovarium. Agardh refers here Trapa (see p.
58.) ; Linnaus placed Hydrochavidea; along with Palms ! in his natural ar-
rangement.
Link defines his Hydrocharidea?, Stratioterp, and Vallisneriacese, thus :
Hydrocharidece. Aquatic herbs. Leaves with parallel veins connected
with lateral ones ; sheath separate. Calyx divided to the base. Corolla poly-
petalous. Pericarpium. Albumen none, unless the thickened part of the em-
bryo. Hydrocharis.
Strafiotece. Aquatic herbs. Leaves sheathing with parallel veins. Flowers
spathaceous. Calyx tubular. Corolla polypetalous, inserted on the calyx.
A berry. Slratiotes.
Vallisneriacece. Aquatic herbs. Dioecious, diclinous. Staminiferous ; Flowers
in a spadix, from which they finally separate. Corolla monopetalous. Pistillift-
rous ; Spathe 1-flowered. Peduncles spiral. Calyx 1-leafed. Corolla poly-
petalous. Capsules 1 -celled, many-seeded. Seeds parietal. VaUisneria.
Geography. Natives of Europe, North America, and the East Indies. One
species is found in Egypt (Ottelia indica), and two Vallisnerias in New Hol-
land.
253
Properties. Nothing known, unless that the fruit of Enhalus is eatable,
and its fibres capable of being woven, according to Agardh (Jlph. 128). The
Janji of Hindostan, called Vallisneria alternifolia by Roxburgh, Hydrilla by Dr.
Hamilton, is one of the plants used in India for supplying water mechanically
to sugar, in the process of refining it. Brewster, 1. 34.
Examples. Hydrocharis, Hydrilla, Blyxa, Limnobium, Boottia, Stratiotes.
CCXXXIl. COMMELINE^. The Spider-wort Tribe.
Ephemereje, Batsch: Tab. Affin. (125. 1802) in part.— Commelineje, R. Brovn Prodr.
268. (1810); Richard in Humb. Bonpl. N. Gen. 1. 258. (1815) ; Agardh Aph. 168. (1823.)
Diagnosis. Tripetaloideous monocotyledons, with a superior 3-locular
-capsule.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Sepals 3, distinct from the petals, herbaceous. Petals coloured
sometimes cohering at the base. Stamens 6, or a smaller number, hypogynous, some of them
either deformed or abortive. Ovarium 3-celled, with few-seeded cells; style I ; stigma 1.
Capsule 2- or 3-celled, 2- or 3-valved, the valves bearing the dissepiments in the middle. Seeds
often twin, inserted by their whole side on the inner angle of the cell, whence the hilum is
linear ; embryo pulley-shaped, antitropous, lying in a cavity of the albumen remote from the
hilum ; albumen densely fleshy. — Herbaceous plants. Leaves usually sheathing at the base.
Affinities. Mr. Brown remarks upon this order (Prodr. 269.), that "it
is very different from Junceee both in habit and structure ; it agrees better with
Restiacese in the situation of the embryo and the sheathing leaves, although
otherwise quite distinct ; it has scarcely any affinity with Palms, except in its
trochlear embryo, remote from the hilum, and indicatedin both orders by an ex-
ternal papilla." Agardh adds, that they agree with Orchideae in the structure
of their seeds and stamens. I know not in what respect this resemblance is
shown. Xyridese are probably the most nearly allied to Commelineee of any
known plants.
Geography. Chiefly found in the East and West Indies, and Africa. A
few are found in North America, but none in northern Asia or Europe.
Properties. Often mere weeds, sometimes beautifully-flowering plants ;
otherwise having no known properties.
Examples. Commelina, Aneilema, Tradescantia, Cartonema.
CCXXXIII. XYRIDESE.
Xvrideje, Kunth in Humb. N. G.et Sp. 1.255. (1815) asect. ofRestiaceoe; Agardh. Aphorism.
158. (1823) ; Desvaxix in Ann. des Sc. 13. 49.
Diagnosis. Tripetaloideous monocotyledons, with superior concrete
pella, a 1 -celled capsule with parietal placenta?, and capitate flowers.
A ivrnivr a tips
car-
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Calyx glumaceous, 3-leaved. Corolla petaloid, 3-petalled. Fer-
tile stamens 3, inserted upon the claws of the petals; anthers turned outwards ; sterile sta-
mens alternate with the petals. Ovarium single ; style trifid ; stigmas obtuse, multifid or
undivided. Capsule 1-celled, 3-valved, many-seeded, with parietal placenta-. Seed with the
254
embryo on the outside of the albumen, and at the end most remote from the hilum.— Herbal
ceous plants with fibrous roots. Leaves radical, ensiform, with dilated equitant ecarious bases.
Flowers in terminal, naked, imbricated heads.
Affinities. United with Restiaceae by Mr. Brown and others, separated
as a distinct order by Agardh and Desvaux, this appears to me to be essentially
distinguished by the higher development of its floral envelopes, a character
which I cannot but regard as more important than the mere accordance in the
structure of the seed, in consequence of which chiefly it has been retained in
Restiaceae. Those who have distinguished this order have referred to it seve-
ral genera which by no means enter into the idea I have of the limits that
should be prescribed to it, particularly Aphyllanthes, which is surely a Juncea.
Mr. Brown remarks, that the anomalous genus Philydrum, and even Burman-
nia, are related to Xyris ; and that these plants agree in some respects with
Orchideae in the structure of the seed and stamen (Prodr. 264). To me it
seems that the relation of Xyrideae is very great with Commelineae.
Geography. All natives of the hotter parts of the world, chiefly in the
tropics of America, Asia, and Africa. Two or three species of Xyris are found
in the southern states of North America.
Properties. The leaves and root of Xyris indica are employed against
itch and leprosy. Jlgardh.
Examples. Xyris, Abolboda.
CCXXXIV. BROMELIACEAE. The Pine-Apple Tribe.
BrOmeli^:, Juss. Gen. 49. (1789); Diet. Sc. Nat. 5. 347. (1817).— Bromeliaceje, LA.ndl.in Bot.
Reg.foL 1068. (1827); Dec. and Duby, 412. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Tripe taloideous hexandrous monocotyledons, with an inferior
ovarium, and an albuminous embryo.
Anomalies. Some, as Tillandsia, have a superior ovarium.
Essential Character. — Calyx 3-parted or tubular, persistent, more or less cohering- with
the ovarium. Petals 3, coloured, withering- or deciduous, equal or unequal. Stamens 6, in-
serted into the base of the calyx and corolla. Ovarium 3-celled, many-seeded ; style single ;
stigma 3-lobed, often twisted. Fruit capsular or succulent, 3-celled, many-seeded. Seeds nu-
merous ; embryo taper, recurved, lying- in the base of mealy albumen. — Stemless or short-stem-
med plants, with rigid channelled leaves, often covered with cuticular scales, and spiny at the
edge or point. Fruit sometimes eatable.
Affinities. Stratiotes among Hydrocharideae has so much the foliage of
this order as to render it probable, taking the fructification also into account,
that the nearest affinity of the Pine-Apple tribe is with the former. It is dis-
tinguished from other tripetaloideous orders, when its ovarium is inferior, by its
albuminous seeds and hexandrous flowers, while, in those cases in which the
ovarium is superior, it is recognised by its polyspermous trilocular fruit ; Com-
melineae and Xyrideae, with which alone it can be confounded, differing in this
respect. The habit of Bromeliaceae is peculiar; they are hard dry-leaved plants,
generally with a mealy surface, and having a calyx the rigidity of which is
strongly contrasted with the delicate texture of the petals. The habit of
Agave is that of Aloe in Asphodeleae, to which Bromeliaceae approach ; it was
probably this consideration which induced M. Desfontaines to place Pitcairnia
with the latter order.
Geography. All, without exception, natives of the continent or islands of
America, whence they have migrated eastward in such numbers, as to have
255
established themselves as part of the present Flora of the west coast of Africa,
and some parts of the East Indies.
Properties. The most remarkable is the Pine Apple, or Ananas, which
is well known for the sweetness and fine aromatic flavour of its fruit. No other
species is of the same interest. They are all capable of existing in a dry hot
air without contact with the earth ; on which account they are favourites in-
South American gardens, where they are suspended in the dwellings, or hung
to the balustrades of the balconies ; situations in which they flower abundantly,
filling the ah with their fragrance. The wild Agave of Mexico yields a copi-
ous juice when tapped, which is fermented into a wine called Pulque, from
which a spirit, known under the name of Vino Mercal, is obtained. Ropes
are made in Brazil of a species of Bromelia, called Grawatha. Pr. M.ax.
Trav.
Examples. Ananassa, Billbergia, Bromelia, Pitcairnia.
CCXXXV. HYPOXIDEiE.
Hypoxide-e, R. Brown in Flinders, (1814) ; Agardh Aph. 164. (1823) a sect, of Asphodeleae.
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with an inferior ovarium, a
regular 6-parted perianthium with equitant sepals, rostellate seeds with a hard
black coat.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Perianthium superior, regular, 6-parted, with an equitant sesti-
vation. Stamens 6, inserted into the base of the segments. Ovarium inferior, 3-celled, many-
seeded ; style single ; stigma 3-lobed. Capsule indehiscent, sometimes succulent and many-
seeded. iSeecfcwith a black brittle integument, and a lateral rostelliform hilum ; embryo in the
axis of fleshy albumen, its radicle having no certain direction. — Herbaceous stemless, or near-
ly stemless plants with plaited leaves, and yellow or white Jlouers.
Affinities. First placed by Mr. Brown at the end of Asphodeleae, and
afterwards separated as a distinct order, characterized by having, along with
the fruit of Asphodeleae, a superior perianthium and rostellate seeds. Agardh
retains them in Asphodeleae. The rigidity and harshness of their leaves is
very unlike any thing among genuine plants of that tribe.
Geography. Natives of the Cape of Good Hope, New Holland, the East
Indies, and North America.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Hypoxis, Curculigo.
CCXXXVI. BURMANNI^E
Bormannije, Spreng. Syst. 1. 123. (1825) ; Reichcnb. Conspect. 60. (1828) a sect, of
Amaryllidew.
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous triandrous monocotyledons, with an inferior
winged ovarium, and minute indefinite seeds.
Anomalies.
256
Essential Character.— .Mutters monoclinous. Perianthium tubular, superior, eoiourecL
membranous, with 6 teeth, the 3 inner of which (petals) are minute, the 3 outer larger, and
having a wing or keel at the back. Stamens 3, inserted in the tube opposite the petals ; anther &
sessile, 2-celled, opening transversely, with a fleshy connectivum ; sometimes 3 sterile stamens,
alternate with them. Ovarium inferior, 3-celled, many-seeded, with the dissepiments alter-
nate with the wings of the perianthium ; style single ; stigma 3-lobed. Capsule covered by
the withered perianthium, 3-celled, 3-valved, bursting irregularly. Seeds very numerous and
minute, striated ; embryo — Herbaceous plants, with tufted radical acute leaves,
a slender nearly naked stem, and terminal flowers, sessile upon a 2- or 3-branched rachis, or
solitary.
Affinities. The single genus upon which this is founded, — for Sonerila,
referred here by Sprengel and Reichenbach, is not even monocotyledonous P
(it belongs to Melastomacese), — was placed by Jussieu in Bromeliaceee ; Mr.
Brown stationed it as a doubtful genus at the end of Junceae, with the remark
that it is extremely distinct both in flower, fruit, and inflorescence, and not
really allied to any other known plant, but more nearly related to Xyris and
Philydrum than to either Bromelia or Hypoxis. Von Martius, who has beau-
tifully illustrated the Brazilian species, refers them to Hydrocharideae. To me
it seems that they are, upon the whole, nearest Haemodoraceas, with which
they agree in their tubular perianthium, in having the stamens reduced to three
and opposite the petals, a much enlarged connectivum, the ovarium inferior,
and some resemblance in foliage and habit. It is, however, certain that there
is no known monocotyledonous order to which these really approach very
closely. See Irideas.
Geography. Natives of the tropics of Asia, Africa, and America. The
plants called Tripterella by North American botanists are found as far to the
north as Virginia.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Burmannia (Tripterella Mich.), Maburnia.
CCXXXVII. H^EMODORACE^E. The Blood-root Tribe.
H-emodoracejE, JR. Brown Prodr. 299. (1810); Agardh Aphor. 170. (1823); Von Martius N.
Gen. et Sp. PI. Brae. 1. 13. (1824) ; Ach. Rich. Nouv.Elem. 436. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with an inferior ovarium, a
(woolly) tubular perianthium, the sepals of which are not equitant, and farina-
ceous albumen.
Anomalies. Wachendorfia has a superior ovarium. Some Barbacenias
are tripetaloideous. Vellozia has equitant sepals and petals.
Essential Character. — Calyx and corolla confounded, petaloid, superior, rarely inferior.
Stamens arising from the sepals and petals, either 3 and opposite the petals, or 6, or more nu-
merous, and polyadelphous ; anthers bursting inwardly. Ovarium v itn the cells 1- 2- or many-
seeded ; style simple ; stigma undivided. Fruit capsular, valvular, seldom indehiscent,
somewhat nucamentaceous. Seeds either definite or peltate, or indefinite ; testa papery ; em-
bryo minute, orthotropous, in farinaceous albumen. — Leaves equitant, or arranged spirally or
alternately, usually linear or linear-lanceolate, rarely accrosc. Flouers often showy, the pe-
tals and sepals being highly developed.
Affinities. The principal distinction between these and Amaryllidere con-
sists in their perianthium not having the regular equitant position of sepals and
petals which is found in the latter, in their peculiar Iris-like or Bromelia-like
habit, in the regularity of their flowers, which have frequently a woolly or pa-
pillose outer surface, and, finally, in the embryo being placed in mealy albumen.
From Irideee they are divided by the number of their stamens, by their anthers
257
turning inwards, or, if their stamens are reduced to three by those organs then
beino- opposite the petals, by their simple stigma, and by the texture of their
albumen. From Bromeliacese, to which they approach by Barbacenia and Vel-
lozia, they are known by being generally hexapetaloideous, not tripetaloideous.
According to Mr. Don, the genera Vellozia, Barbacenia, and'Xerophyta, pro-
bably constitute an intermediate group between the Hypoxidea? and Biomelia-
ceae (Jameson's Journal, Jan. 1830, p. 166). Mr. Don finds the seeds of Bar-
bacenia purpurea to be " compressed, cuneiform, and truncate at the apex, and
narrowed towards the base, which is furnished with a protuberance arising
from the elongation of the testa and umbilical cords. The testa is coriaceous,
and marked outwardly with numerous shallow furrows." In this order, as
well as in Gethyllis among Amaryllideae, there are polyandrous species ; a re-
markable anomaly in monocotyledons, which rarely exceed the number 6 in
their stamens. The Vellozias are singular in the tribe for their arborescent di-
chotomous trunks and tufted leaves.
Geography. Found in North America sparingly, abundantly at the Cape
of Good Hope and in high land in Brazil, and 12 are described chiefly from the
more temperate parts of New Holland.
Properties. M. Decandolle remarks, that the red colour found in the
roots of Dilatris tinctoria in North America, where it is used for dyeing, pre-
vails in Haemodorum and Wachendorfia, and deserves to be studied in the rest
of the order.
Examples. Haemodorum, Conostylis, Dilatris, Lanaria.
CCXXXVIII. AMARYLLIDEiE. The Narcissus Tribe.
Narcissi, the second section, Juss. Gen. 54. (17S9). — Amaryllide.*:, R. Brown Prodr. 296.
(1810) ; Herbert Appendix to the Bot. Mag. (1821); Dec. and Duby,454. (1828); Lindl. Sy-
nops.261. (1829). Narcisse*:, Agardk Aph. 173. (1823.)
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous bulbous hexandrous monocotyledons, with
an inferior ovarium, a 6-parted perianthiurn with equitant sepals, and flat
spongy seeds.
Anomalies. Gethyllis is polyandrous. Clivia and Doryanthes have fasci-
cled roots.
Essential Character. — Calyx and corolla confounded, superior, regular, coloured, the
former overlapping the latter. Stamens 6, arising from the sepals and petals, sometimes co-
hering by their dilated bases into a kind of cup; sometimes an additional series of barren
stamens is present, often forming a cup which surmounts the tube of the perianthiurn; an-
thers bursting inwardly. (Jrarium 3-celled, the cells many-seeded, or sometimes 1- or
2-seeded ; style 1 ; stigma 3-lobed. Fruit eiilior a 3-celled, 3-valved capsule, with loculicidal
dehiscence, or a 1-3-soeded berry. Seeds with either a thin and membranous, or thick and
fleshy testa ; albumen fleshy ; embryo nearly straight, with its radicle turned towards the hi-
lum. — Generally bulbous, sometimes Jibrous-rooted. Leaves ensiform, with parallel veins.
Flowers usually with spathaceous bractes.
Affinities. The only orders with which this need be compared are As-
phodeleae and Liliaceas, from which it is known by its inferior ovarium ; Irideas,
which are distinguished by being triandrous, with the anthers turned outwards ;
and Haemodoraceaa, v/hich see. No one has ever thought of dismembering it,
since Mr. Brown founded it upon Jussieu's 2d section of Narcissi ; and it can
scarcely be said to comprehend an anomalous genus, unless Clivia and Dory-
anthes be so considered, on account of their fascicled roots, and Gethyllis, be-
43
258
cause of its being polyandrous. The latter deviation from the ordinary cha-
racter of the order will probably be considered of less importance, if we bear in
mind the polyandrous structure of some Haemodoraceae, and especially if, in
the first place, the genuine Amaryllideous genera Phycella and Placea be
attended to, the former of which has a tendency to produce additional stamens,
and the latter having them in a highly developed petaloid state; and if, se-
condly, the corona of Narcissus itself is borne in mind, which is in fact an or-
gan representing an extra number of stamens. I have elsewhere remarked
(Bot. Reg. 1341.) that this is connected with a strong tendency in the whole
order to form another set of staminiferous organs between the perianthium and
those stamens that actually develope. Hence a curious instance is exhibited,
to which several parallels may, however, be found in other families, of the
force of developement being generally confined to a series of organs originating
within those which should be formed according to the ordinary laws of struc-
ture. Of course, in all such orders a multiplication of the usual number of sta-
mens is more to be expected than where this peculiar circumstance does notexist.
Geography. A very few only are found in the north of Europe and the
same parallel ; these are plants of the genera Narcissus and Galanthus. As
we proceed south they increase. Pancratium appears on the shores of the
Mediterranean ; Crinums and Pancratiums abound in the West and East
Indies ; Haemanthus is found for the first time with some of the latter on the
Gold Coast ; Amaryllides show themselves in countless numbeis in Brazil, and
across the whole continent of South America ; and finally, at the Cape of
Good Hope, the maximum of the order is beheld in all the beauty of Hceman-
thus, Crinum, Clivia, Cyrtanthus, and Brunsvigia. A few are found in New
Holland, the most remarkable of which is Doryanthes.
Properties. One of the few monocotyledonous orders in which any poi-
sonous properties are found. These are principally apparent in the viscid
juice of the bulbs of Haemanthus toxicarius, in which the Hottentots are said
to dip their arrow-heads, and in some neighbouring species. The bulbs of Nar-
cissus poeticus have for ages been known as emetic : and it has recently been
shown by M. Loiseleur Deslongchamps that a similar power exists in Narcis-
sus Tazetta, odorus, and Pseudo-Narcissus, and Pancratium maritimum. The
flowers of Narcissus Pseudo-Narcissus are also said to be emetic. Decandolle
considers the principle found in Amaryllideae analogous to that of the Squill
(Essai, p. 290). Sternbergia lutea is purgative, Alstromeria salsilla diapho-
retic and diuretic, Amaryllis ornata astringent. Agardh Jlph. 178.
Examples. Amaryllis, Phycella, Nerine, Vallota, Calostemma.
CCXXXIX. IFJDE^E. The Cornflag Tribe.
Irides, Juss. Gen. 57. (1789).— Ensat*, Ker in Ann. of Botany, 1. 219. (1805).— Irideje, R.
Brown Prodr. 302. (1810) ; Ker, Gen. lrid. (1827) ; Dec. and Duby, 451. (1828); Lindl.
Synops. 254. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous triandrous monocotyledons, with an inferior
ovarium, anthers turned outwards, and equitant leaves.
Anomalies. Crocus leaves are not equitant.
Essential Character.— Calyx and corolla superior, confounded, their divisions either
partially cohering, or entirely separate, sometimes irregular, the 3 petals being sometimes very
short. Stamens 3, arising from the base of the sepals ; filaments distinct or connate ; anthers
bursting externally lengthwise fixed by their base, 2-celled. Ovarium 3-celled, cells many-
259
seeded ; style 1 ; stigmas 5, often petaloid, sometimes 2-lipped. Capsule 3-celled, 3-valved,
with a loculicidal dehiscence. Seeds attached to the inner angle of the cell, sometimes to a
central column, becoming- loose ; albumen corneous, or densely fleshy; embryo enclosed with-
in it. — Herbaceous plants, or very seldom undershrubq, usually smooth ; the hairs, if there are
any, simple. Roots tuberous or fibrous. .Learcsequitant, distichous, except in Crocus. In-
^florescence terminal, in spikes, corymbs, or panicles, or crowded. Bracteae spathaceous, the
partial ones often scarious ; the sepals occasionally rather herbaceous.
Affinities. — They differ from Amaryllideaj essentially, in being triandrous,
with the anthers turned outwards ; from Orchidea:, to which they approach
very nearly in some respects, in not being gynandrous, and in all their anthers
being distinct ; from Scitamineae and Marantacese their three perfect stamens
divide them, independently of the structure of the leaves, which are extremely
different. The Iris represents the general structure of the order ; but a depar-
ture from the form of perianthium found in that genus takes place in the Crocus,
the flower of which is extremely like that of Gethyllis and Sternbergia among
Amaryllideas on the one hand, and of Colchicum among Melanthaceaj on the
other ; the latter is known by its superior triple ovarium. The dilated stigma
found in Iris is characteristic of the whole order ; in Crocus it is rolled up in-
stead of being spread open. Mr. Brown observes, that Burmannia appears at
first sight to agree with Irideas, especially in its equitant leaves, coloured supe-
rior triandrous perianthium, and 3 dilated stigmas ; it cannot, however, be
united with them, on account of its fertile stamens being opposite the inner seg-
ments of the perianthium, and alternating with an equal number of sterile
ones, on account of the transverse dehiscence of the anthers, and also the struc-
ture of the seeds. In Xyris some resemblance with this order is discoverable,
especially in the disposition of the leaves, the triandrous flowers, and anthers
turned outwards ; but that genus is very distinct in its inferior perianthium, the
outer segments of which are glumaceous, and the inner distinctly petaloid, in
the ungues bearing their stamens at the apex, in their sterile alternate stamens,
and especially in the structure of the seed. Prodr. 302.
Geography. Principally natives either of the Cape of Good Hope, or
of the middle parts of North America and Europe. A few only are found
within the tropics, and the order is generally far from abundant in South Ame-
rica, if compared with the numbers that exist at the Cape. The genera Ma-
rica and Moraea appear to occupy the same station in hot climates that Iris, a
closely related genus, does in cooler latitudes.
Properties. More remarkable for their beautiful fugitive flowers than for
their utility. The rhizoma of some of them is slightly stimulating, as the
violet-cented Orris root, the produce of Iris Florentina. A few, such as Iris tu-
berosa are purgative ; and Iris versicolor and verna are used as cathartics in
the United States. The substance called Saffron is the dried stigmas of a cro-
cus ; the colouring ingredient is a peculiar principle, to which the name of Po-
lychroite has been given. It possesses the remarkable properties of being to-
tally destroyed by the action of the solar rays, of colouring in small quantity a
large body of water, and of forming blue and green tints when treated with
sulphuric and nitric acid, or with sulphate of iron. Dec. According to Mr.
Gray, the roasted seeds of Iris pseud-acorus very nearly approach Coffee in
quality. Suppl. Pharmac. 237.
Examples. Iris, Moraea, Ixia, Gladiolus.
260
CCXL. ORCHIDE.E. The Orchis Tribe.
Ohchides, Juss. Gen. 64. (1789).— Orchideje, 7?. Brown Prodr. 309. (1810); Rich, in Mem.
Mus. 4.23. (1818); Lindl. Synops. 256. (1829); Id. Genera and Species of Orck. (1830.)
Diagnosis. Gynandrous monocotyledons, with 3 parietal placentae.
Anomalies. Apostasia, if belonging to the order, has a trilocular ovarium
and distinct stamens.
Essential Character. Perianthium superior, ringent, Sepals 3, usually coloured, of
which the odd one is uppermost in consequence of a twisting- of the ovarium. Petals 3,
usually coloured, of which 2 are uppermost in consequence of the twisting- of the ovarium,
and 1, called the lip, undermost ; this latter is frequently lobed, of a different form from the
others, and very often spurred at the base. Stamens 3, united in a central column, the 2 late-
ral usually abortive, the central perfect, or the central abortive, and the 2 lateral perfect ; an-
ther either persistent or deciduous, 2- or 4- or 8-celled ; pollen either powdery, or cohering- in
definite or indefinite waxy masses, either constantly adhering- to a gland or becoming loose in
their cells. Ovarium 1-celled, with 3 parietal placenta; ; style forming- part of the column of
the stamens ; stigma a viscid space in front of the column, communicating directly with the
ovarium by a distinct open canal. Impregnation taking- effect by absorption from the pollen
masses through the gland into the stigmatic canal. Capsule inferior, bursting- with 3 valves
and 3 ribs, very rarely baccate. Seeds parietal, very numerous ; testa loose, reticulated, con-
tracted at each end, except in one or two genera; albumen none ; embryo a solid, undivided,
fleshy mass. — Herbaceous plants, either destitute of a stem, or forming a kind of above-ground
tuber (pseudo-bulbous) by the cohesion of the bases of the leaves, or truly caulescent. Roots
in the herbaceous species fleshy, divided or undivided, or fasciculate ; in the caulescent spe-
cies tortuous, and green and proceeding from the stem. Leaves simple, quite entire, often ar-
ticulated with the stem. Pubescence rare ; when present, sometimes glandular. Flowers
in terminal or radical spikes, racemes, or panicles; sometimes solitary.
Affinities. It is not necessary to enter, in this place, into an historical in-
quiry as to the gradual alteration that has taken place in the views of botanists
wi h regard to the structure of the gy nandro us apparatus of these most cu-
rious of plants, or to explain what degree of error existed in the descriptions of
those who mistook masses of pollen for anthers, or a column of stamens for a
style; such errors could only have occurred at a period when the laws of or-
ganization were totally unknown. They have been corrected in a more or less
perfect manner, by various writers ; most completely by Mr. Brown in his Pro-
dromus, published in 1810, and subsequently by the late most accurate and
indefatigable Richard. But long before the publication of any rational expla-
nation of the structure of the Orchis tribe, while botanists were in utter dark-
ness upon the subject, it had been most fully investigated by a gentleman unri-
valled for the perfection of his microscopical analyses, the beauty of his draw-
ings, and the admirable skill with which he follows Nature in her most secret
workings ; and let me add, which is a still rarer quality, the generous disinter-
estedness with which he communicates to his friends the result of his patient
and silent labours. I have sketches before me by Mr. Bauer, executed from
1794 to 1807, in which not only all that has been published since that period is
shown in the most distinct and satisfactory manner, but in which more is repre-
sented than botanists are even now aware of. I hope to be the humble means
of giving some of these extraordinary productions of the pencil to the world, in
an illustration of the Genera and Species of Orchideous Plants, which is now
in preparation. If the gynandrous apparatus of an Orchideous plant is examined,
it will be found to consist of a fleshy body stationed opposite the labellum,
bearing a solitary anther at its apex, and having in front a viscid cavity, upon
the upper edge of which there is often a slight callosity. This cavity is the
stigma, and the callosity is the point through which the fertilizing matter of the
pollen passes into the tissue communicating with the ovules. Hence such a
plant would appear to be monandrous ; it will be seen, however, in Scitamineae
and Marantaceee, the only other monandrous orders of Monocotyledons, that,
261
while only one perfect stamen is developed, two others exist in a rudimentary
state ; so that the ternary number prevalent in Monocotyledons is not departed
from. So it is in Orchideae ; the column does not consist of a single filament
cohering with a style, but of three filaments firmly grown together, the cen-
tral of which is antheriferous, the lateral sterile, or, as in Cypripedium, the cen-
tral sterile, the two lateral antheriferous. This is proved, in the former case, by
the frequent presence of callosities, or processes in the place of the sterile sta-
mens; by imperfectly-formed anthers occasionally appearing at the side of the
perfect one ; and, if any further evidence were wanted, by monsters, in which
a regular structure is exchanged for the ordinary irregular one. Such an in-
stance in Orchis latifolia is described by M. Achille Richard, in the Mtmoires
de la Soc. d'Hist. Nat. of Paris, in which the flowers were perfectly triandrous,
with no trace of irregularity in any part of the floral envelopes.
Orchideae are remarkable for the bizarre figure of their multiform flower,
which sometimes represents an insect, sometimes a helmet with the visor up,
and sometimes a grinning monkey : so various are those forms, so numerous
their colours, and so complicated their combinations, that there is scarcely a
common reptile or insect to which some of them have not been likened. They
all, however, will be found to consist of three outer pieces belonging to the
calyx, and three inner belonging to the corolla ; and all departures from this
number, six, depends upon the cohesion of contiguous parts, with the solitary
exception of Monomeria, in which the lateral petals are entirely abortive.
Sometimes two of the sepals cohere into one, as in Cypripedium, and then the
calyx has the appearance of consisting of but two sepals ; sometimes the late-
ral petals are connate with the column, as in Gongora and probably Lepan-
thes, and then the column appears furnished with two wings. In nearly the
whole order the odd petal, called the labellum, arises from the base of the
column, and is opposite it ; but in the Cape genus Pterygodium, the lip some-
times grows from the apex of the column, and sometimes is stalked and turned
completely over between the fork of the inverted anther, and thus seems to be-
long to the back of the column. Nor is the anther less subject to modification,
although constant to its place ; sometimes it stands erect, the line of dehiscence
of its lobes being turned towards the labellum ; sometimes it is turned upside
down, so that its back regards the lip ; often it is prone upon the apex of the
column, where a niche is excavated for its reception. The pollen is not less
curious : now we have it in separate grains, as in other plants, but cohering
to a meshwork of cellular tissue, which is collected into a sort of central elastic
strap ; now the granules cohere in small angular indefinite masses, and the
central elastic strap becomes more apparent, has a glandular extremity, which
is often reclined in a peculiar pouch especially destined for its protection ; again
the pollen combines into larger masses, which are definite in number, and at-
tached to another modification of the elastic strap; and finally a complete
union of the pollen takes place, in solid waxy masses, without any distinct trace
of this central elastic tissue. Such is a part of the singularities of Orchideous
plants, and upon these the distinctions of their tribes and genera are naturally
founded. Whoever studies them must bear in mind that their fructification is
always reducible to 3 sepals, 3 petals, a column consisting of stamens grown
firmly to one another, and to a single style and stigma ; and, with this in
view, he will have no difficulty in understanding the organization of even the
most anomalous Cape species. For a long time it was supposed that no de-
viation from the general structure existed, and that we had not in Orchideae
any very decided link between that family and others ; but the discovery of a
remarkable Indian plant by Blume and Wallich, called Apostasia by the former
botanist, which, with many of the peculiarities of Orchideae, is triandrous with
a regular corolla and threa-locular fruit, seems to show that even in this tribe
262
there are gradations which tend to destroy the value of the technical differ-
ences of botanists. It does not, however, appear to me certain that this genus,
although referred to Orchideae by Blume, is not really of a different tribe.
If the following diagram be compared with those employed to illustrate the
distinctions of Marantacea^and Scitaminea, p. 266, 267, the relation borne to those
orders by Orchidese will be distinctly seen. In the diagram the parts are ar-
ranged as they are in nature before the ovarium twists ; that is, with the label-
lum next the axis, or uppermost, and the stamen undermost. Let C, C, C re-
present the outer series of floral envelopes or calyx, and PP, P, P the inner, or
corolla, of which PP is the labellum ; then the position of the single fertile sta-
men will be at S, and of the sterile ones at s, s ; that is to say, in the situation
of the supernumerary petaloid stamens of Scitaminere and Marantacea^, while
the second series of stamens, to which the fertile stamen of these orders belongs,
is not developed in Orchideae.
PP
Geography. Found in almost all parts of the world, except upon the verge
of the frozen zone, and in climates remarkable for dryness. In Europe, Asia,
and North America, they are found growing every where, in groves, in
marshes, and in meadows ; in the drier parts of Africa they are either rare or
unknown ; at the Cape of Good Hope they abound in similar situations as in
Europe ; but in the hot damp parts of the West and East Indies, in Madagas-
car, and the neighbouring islands, in the damp and humid forests of Brazil, and
on the lower mountains of Nipal, these Orchideous plants flourish in the great-
est variety and profusion, no longer seeking their nutriment from the soil, but
clinging to the trunks and limbs of trees, to stones and bare rocks, where they
vegetate among ferns and other shade-loving plants, in countless thousands.
Of the epiphytic class, one only is found so far north as South Carolina, grow-
ing upon the branches of the Magnolia, if we except the species from Japan,
which, as I have elsewhere stated, appears to have a climate peculiar to itself,
among countries in the same parallel of latitude. The number of species of
this tribe is unknown, but probably is not less than 1500.
Properties. It often happens that those productions of nature which
charm the eye with their beauty, and delight the senses with their perfume,
have the least relation to the wants of mankind, while the most powerful vir-
tues or most deadly poisons are hidden beneath a mean and insignificant exte-
rior : thus Orchidere, beyond their beauty, can scarcely be said to be of known
utility, with a few exceptions. The nutritive substance called Salep is prepared
from the subterraneous succulent roots of Orchis mascula and others ; it con-
sists almost entirely of a chemical principle called Bassorin. Turner, 699.
The root of Bletia verecunda is said to be stomachic. Lunun. And some of
the South American species, such as the Catasetums, Cyrtipodiums, &c, con-
tain a viscid juice, which, being inspissated by boiling, becomes a kind of vege-
263
table glue used for economical purposes in Brazil. The aromatic substance
called Vanilla is the succulent fruit of a climbing West Indian plant of the
order.
Examples. The following are the sections proposed in my Orchidearum
Sceletos (1826.)
§ I. Pollen simple, or consisting of granules in a lax state of cohesion.
Tribe 1. Neottieje. Anther parallel with the stigma, and erect. (Good-
yera, Spiranthes.)
Tribe 2. AitETHUSEiE. Anther terminal, opercular. (Pogonia, Epi-
pactis.)
§ II. Pollen adhering in granules, which finally become waxy, and are in-
definite in number.
Tribe 3. GastrodiejE. Anther terminal, opercular. (Gastrodia, Va-
nilla.)
Tribe 4. Ophrydeje. Anther terminal, erect or inverted. Pollen masses
with a caudicula. (Orchis, Ophrys.)
§ III. Pollen cohering in grains, which finally become waxy, and are defi-
nite in number.
Tribe 5. Vande^e. Pollen-masses attached to the stigma by a transparent
caudicula and gland. (Oncidium, Brassia.)
Tribe 6. EpiDENDREiE. Pollen-masses attached to the stigma by filiform,
powdery, refiexed caudicula?. (Bletia, Epidendrum.)
Tribe 7. MALAXiDEiE. Pollen-masses loose, sometimes cohering at the
apex by a viscid, or powdery, or granular matter. (Malaxis, Dendrobium.)
§ IV. Lateral anthers, fertile ; the middle one sterile and petaloid.
Tribe 8. CypripediejE. (Cypripedium.) '
CCXLI. SCITAMINEiE. The Ginger Tribe.
Cannje, Juss. Gen. 62. (1789), in par*.— Drymyrhizeje, Vent. Tabl. (1799) ; Dec. Ess. Med.
281. (1816).— Scitamine*, R. Brown Prodr. 305.(1810); Agardh Aph. 182. (1823); Rose.
Monogr.— Zingiberace js, Rich. Anal. Fr. (1808).— Amomejs, Juss. in MirbeVs Elem. 854.
(1815); Ach.Rich. Nouv. Elem. ed. 4. 438. (1828).— AlpiniacejE, Link Handb. 1. 228.
(1829), a § of Scitaminese.
Diagnosis. Tripetaloideous monocotyledons, with a single 2-celled anther.
Anomalies. Hellenia abnormis has a unilocular monospermous ovarium.
Essential Character.— Calyx superior, tubular, 3-lobed, short. Corolla tubular, irregu-
lar, with 6 segments in 2 whorls ; the outer 3-parted, nearly equal, or with the old segment,
sometimes differently shaped ; the inner (sterile stamens) 3-parted, with the intermediate seg-
ment (labeHum) larger than the rest, and often 3-lobed. the lateral segments sometimes nearly
abortive. Stamens 3, distinct, of which the 2 lateral are abortive, and the intermediate 1 fer-
tile ; this placed opposite the labellum, and arising from the base of the intermediate segment
of the outer series of the corolla. Filament not petaloid, often extended beyond the anther in
the shape of alobedor entire appendage. Anther 2-celled, opening longitudinally, its lobes often
embracing the upper part of the style. Pollen globose, smooth. Ovarium 3-celled, sometimes
imperfectly so ; ocula several, attached to a placenta in the axis ; style filiform ; stigma dilated,
hollow. Fruit usually capsular, 3-celled, many-seeded; occasionally berried "(the dissepi-
ments generally central, proceeding from the axis of the valves, at last usually separate from
the latter, and of a different texture. R. Br. Seeds roundish, or angular, with or without an
arillus (albumen floury, its substance radiating, and deficient near the hilum. R. Br.) ; embryo
enclosed within a peculiar membrane (vitellus, R. Br. Prodr. ; membrane of the amnios, ibid, in
King's Voyage, 21), jivith which it does not cohere. — Aromatic tropical herbaceous plants.
Rhizoma creeping, often jointed. Stem formed of the cohering bases of the leaves, never
branching. Leaves simple, sheathing, their lamina often separated from the sheath by a ta-
per neck, and having a single midrib, from which very numerous, simple, crowded veins di-
264
verged at an acute angle. Inflorescence either a dense spike, or a raceme, or a sort of panicle,
terminal or radical. Flowers arising- from among- spathaceous membraneous bractere, in
which they usually lie in pairs.
Affinities. Formerly Scitamineae and Marantaceae were united in one
tribe called Cannese, and this is even still followed by some botanists : hence it
is certain that they are at least more nearly related to each other than to any
thing else, and that whatever is the affinity of the one will be that of the other.
Taking the vegetation into account, these two tribes are exceedingly nearly
allied to Musacese, in which is found the same kind of leaf, the veins of which
are closely set, and diverge from the midrib to the margin, being connected by
very weak and imperfect intermediate veins ; the leaves have also the same
distinct petiole, often with a thickened rounded space at the apex ; Musacese
are, however, pent- or hexandrous, with a calyx and corolla of the same tex-
ture. Irideae are the next order with which Scitamineae may be compared,
agreeing in their superior flowers, which have sometimes an approach to the
Liregularity of Alpinia and the like, and also in the triple number of their sta-
mens : but while these organs are all developed in Irideee, two are abortive or
deformed in both Scitaminese and Marantaceae. Bromeliaceee have been iden-
tified with them of old, but their resemblance consists chiefly in the distinction
of calyx and corolla, and their inferior ovarium. To Orchideae they are related
in consequence of the reduction of their three stamens to one by the abortion of
two ; but the cohesion of the stamens and style in the latter, and the want of
any distinction betweeen calyx and corolla, sufficiently separate them, besides
which the series which produces the stamens in Orchidea? answers to the
sterile stamens or inner limb of the corolla in Seitaminea:. For the differences
between Scitaminea? and Marantaceae, see the latter. There is a fine volume
consecrated to plants of these two tribes by Mr. Roscoe, who first remodelled
the genera and reduced them within certain limits. Between the embryo and
the albumen is interposed a fleshy body enveloping the former : this has been
called a process of the rostellum by Correa, a cotyledon by Smith, a vitellus by
Gaertner and Brown, a central indurated portion of the albumen by Richard. It
is now known to be the innermost integument of the ovulum, unabsorbed
during the advance of this body to maturity.
Independently of the presence of this vitellus, the most remarkable part of
the structure of Scitaminea? consists in the number of divisions of the floral en-
velopes, which consists of a tubular calyx, and of two more series instead of
one. Mr. Brown, struck with this unusual deviation from the ordinary organi-
zation of Monocotyledons, was disposed to consider the calyx an accessory
part (Prodr. 305) ; but M. Lestiboudois' explanation appears more satisfacto-
ry. According to this botanist (as quoted in Ach. Richard's JYoav. EUm. 439),
Scitaminea? are really hexandrous, like the nearly related Muactceee ; but of
their stamens the outer series is petaloid, and forms the inner limb of the corol-
la, and of the inner series of stamens the central one only developes, the lateral
ones appearing in the form of rudimentary scales. This notion of M. Lestibou-
dois is confirmed by Marantaceae, in which the inner stamens (even that which
is antheriferous) become petaloid like the outer ; thus showing that in these
plants there is a strong and general tendency in the filaments to assume the
state of petals.
Geography. All tropical, or nearly so. By far the greater number inhabit
various parts of the East Indies ; some are found in Africa, and a few in Ame-
rica. They form a part of the singular Flora of Japan.
Properties. Generally objects of great beauty, either qn account of the
high degree of developement of the floral envelopes, as in Hedychium corona-
rium and Alpinia nutans ; or because of the rich and glowing colours of the
bracteae, as in Curcuma Roscoeana- ( Wallich Plant. As. Rar. vol. 1. tab. 9.)
265
They are, however, principally valued for the sake of the aromatic stimulating
properties of the roots or rhizoma, such as are found in Ginger (Zingiber offi-
cinalis), Galangale (Alpinfa racemosa and Galanga), Zedoary (Curcuma
Zedoaria and Zerumbet), and many other species of the latter genus. The
warm and pungent roots of the greater and lesser Galangale are not only
used by the Indian doctors in cases of dyspepsia, but are also considered use-
ful in coughs, given in infusion. Ainslie, 1. 141. The seeds of many partake
of the properties of the root. Cardamoms are the seeds of several plants of
this order. On the eastern frontiers of Bengal the fruit of Amomum aroma-
ticum is used ; the lesser Cardamom of Malabar is the Elettaria Cardamo-
mum ; another sort is the produce of Amomum maximum ; and the greater
Cardamoms are yielded by the Amomum Granum Paradisi. Others are
known for their dyeing properties, such as Turmeric. This substance, obtained
from Curcuma longa, is cordial and stomachic ; it is also considered by the
native practitioners of India an excellent application in powder for cleaning
fold ulcers. Ibid. 1. 455. The fruit of Globba uviformis is said to be eatable.
Generally, in consequence of the presence of the aromatic oil that is so preva-
lent in the order, the roots or rhizomas, although abounding in freeula, are not
tit for the preparation of arrow-root ; but an excellent kind is prepared in
Travaneore, in the East Indies, from Curcuma angustifolia. Ibid. 1. 19.
Examples. Amomum, Zingiber, Alpinia, Hellenia, Kaempferia.
CCXLII. MxVRANTACE/E. The Arrow-Root Tribe.
Cannje, Juss. Gen. 62. (1789) in part.— Cannes, R. Brown Prodr. 1. 307. (1810); Lindl. in
Bot. Reg. 932. (1825.)— Cannes, or Maraxtes, Brown in Flinders, (1814.)— Canna-
cejs, Agardk Apk. 181. (1823) ; Link Handb. 1. 223. (1829,) a % of Scitaminese.
Diagnosis. Tripetaloideous monocotyledons, with a single 1 -celled anther,
and a petaloid filament.
Anomalies. The ovarium of Thalia is monospermous.
Essential Character. — Calyx superior, of 3 sepals,- short. Corolla, tubular, irregular,
with the segments in 2 whorls; the outer 3-parted, nearly equal ; the inner very irregular ;
one of the lateral segments usually coloured, and formed differently from the rest; sometimes
by abortion fewer than 3. Stamens 3, petaloid, distinct, of which one of the laterals and the
intermediate one are either barreii or abortive, and the other lateral one fertile. Filament
petaloid, either entire or 2-lobcd, one of the lobes bearing the anther on its edge. Anther
1-celled, opening longitudinally. Pollen round (papillose in Carina coccinea, smooth in
Calathea zehrina.) Ovarium 3-celled; ovula solitary and erect, or numerous and attached to
the axis of each cell ; style petaloid or swollen ; stigma either the mere denuded apex of the
style, or hollow, cucullate, and incurved. Fruit capsular, as in Scitaminese. Seeds round,
without arillus ; albumen hard, somewhat floury ; embryo straight, naked, its radicle lying
against the hilurn. — Herbaceous tropical plants, destitute of aroma. Rhizoma creeping,
abounding in a nutritive fa^cula. Stem often branching. Leaves, inflorescence, and flowers,
as in Scitaminese.
Affinities. Under Scitaminea?, the relations of that order and the present
to other monocotyledonous groups has been noticed. In this place the dis-
tinction between the two orders has to be explained. Mr. Brown was the
first to propose the separation of them, in which he has not been followed
generally ; a circumstance which has possibly arisen from a belief that Ma-
rantaceae differed from Scitamineas only in the absence of aroma and vitellus,
and in the imperfection of their anther. But, as I have formerly stated in the
Botanical Register, folio 932, the distinction of the two orders depends upon a
44
266
much more important consideration than either of these. In true Scitaminea?,
as Mr. Brown has observed, (Prodr. 305.) the stamen is always placed oppo-
site the labellum or anterior division of the inner series of the corolla, and pro-
ceeds from the base of the posterior outer division ; while the sterile stamens,
when they exist, are stationed right and left of the labellum. But in Maran-
tacese the fertile stamen is on one side of the labellum, occupying the place of
one of the lateral sterile stamens of Scitamineee. This peculiarity of arrange-
ment indicates a higher degree of irregularity in Marantaceas than in Scitami-
neas, which also extends to the other parts of the flower. The suppression of
parts takes place in the latter in a symmetrical manner ; the two posterior
divisions of the inner series of the perianthium, which are occasionally absent,
corresponding with the abortion of the two anterior stamens. In Marantacea?,
on the contrary, the suppression of organs takes place with so much irregu-
larity, that the relation which the various parts bear to each other is not
always apparent : instead of the central stamen being perfect while the two
lateral ones are abortive, as in Scitamineee and most Orchidere, or of the cen-
tral stamen being abortive and the two lateral ones perfect, as in some Orchi-
deae, it is the central and one lateral one that are suppressed in Marantacea?.
In the perianthium of Carina only the most external within the calyx can
properly be called corolla ; the remainder of the segments being attempts to
produce barren petaloid stamens analogous to what is called the inner limb of
the corolla in Scitamineee ; and the characters upon which botanists found
their specific distinctions depend upon the degree to whch this developement of
petaloid abortive stamens extends. When, for instance, they describe some as
having an inner limb of 2 or of 3, or of 4 or of 5 segments, they should rather
say 2, 3, 4, or 5 stamens are partially developed. For remarks upon the proof
thus afforded of the affinity of Scitamineee and Marantaceee to Musaceas, see
the former order.
Perhaps it will be possible to put the relative structure of Scitamineee and
Marantaceae in a clearer light by the following diagrams, in which the triangle
C, C, C represents the calyx, the angles corresponding with the position of
the sepals ; the triangle P, P, P the corolla ; R, r, r an outer series of petaloid
stamens, of which r, r are rudimentary only ; and S, s, s the inner series of
stamens, of which S is the fertile and fully developed one.
SCITAMINEEE
267
UAKANTACE/E.
p
Agardh describes .the albumen of Carina as a fungous elastic substance,
formed of densely compact hyaline granules, white internally, gradually pass-
ing through yellow and brown into black, and more analogous to an internal
membrane than to albumen, because it undergoes little change during germina-
tion. But the albumen is better understood now than in 1823. See Introduc-
tion, and Outline, of the First Principles of Botany, par. 494, &c.
Geography. The greater part are found in tropical America and Africa ;
several are natives of India ; some are known in a wild state beyond the
tropics.
Properties. While the ginger tribe (Scitaminese) are valued for their
aromatic heating principle, the arrow-root tribe (Marantacese) is esteemed on
account of the frecula, which abounds in the rhizoma and root of both tribes,
being destitute of that principle : on this account it is collected as a delicate ar-
ticle of food, both from Maranta arundinacea, Allouya, and nobilis in the West
Indies, and also from Maranta ramosissima in the East. The fleshy cormus of
some Carinas is reported to be eaten in Peru. A tough fibre is obtained from
Phrynium dichotomum ; and the leaves of the South American Calatheas are
worked into baskets, whence their name. The juice of Maranta arundinacea
is said to be efficacious in poisoned wounds Jlgdh.
Examples. Canna, Maranta, Calathea, Phrynium.
CCXLIIT. MUSACE.E. The Banana Tribe.
Mus;e, Juss. Gen. (1739).— Musaceje, Agardh Aph. 180. (1823); Ach. Rich. Nouv.
Elem.ed.4. 436. (1S28.)
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous sub-hexandrous spathaceous monocotyle-
dons, with an inferior ovarium, and leaves with veins diverging from the mid-
rib to the margin.
Anomalies. Heliconia has only 1 ovulum in each cell. The lamina of
the leaf occasionally disappears in Strelitzia.
Essential Character. Flowers spathaceous. Perianthium 6-parted, superior, petaloid,
in 2 distinct rows, more or less irregular. Stamens 6, inserted upon the middle of the divi-
sions, some often becoming abortive ; anthers linear, turned inwards, 2-celled, often having a
membranous petaloid crest. Ovarium inferior, 3-celled, many-seeded, rarely 3-seeded ; style
simple ; stigma usually 3-lobed. Fruit either a 3-celled capsule with a loculicidal dehiscence,
or succulent and indehiscent. Seeds sometimes surrounded by hairs, with an integument
which is usually crustaceous ; embryo in the axis of mealy albumen. — Stemless or nearly
stemless plants. Leaves sheathing at the base, and forming a kind of spurious stem; often
268
very large ; their limb separated from the taper petiole by a round tumour, and having fine
parallel veins diverging regularly from the midrib towards the margin.
Affinities. These have been pointed out under Scitamineae and Maran-
tacese, with which the Banana tribe is strictly related. Agardh characterizes
it as gynandrous (/. c.) but it does not appear upon what principle. The
flower of Musa is well described in the Appendix to the Congo Expedition,
471., in a note : that of Strelitzia is pentandrous and exceedingly irregular,
and is admirably illustrated in Mr. Bauer's drawings, published some years
since by Mr. Ker, under the title of Strelitzia depicta. The hilum of the seed
gives rise to a tuft of long hairs in Urania and Strelitzia.
Geography. Natives of the Cape of Good Hope, the islands of its south-
east coast, and generally the plains of the tropics, bej^ond which they do not
naturally extend, unless in Japan, the climate of which seems to be much at
variance with that of other countries in the same latitude.
Properties. Most valuable plants, both for the abundance of nutritive
food afforded by their fruit, and for the many domestic purposes to which the
gigantic leaves of some species are applied. These are used for thatching
Indian cottages, for a natural cloth from which the traveller may eat his food,
as a material for basket making, and finally they yield a most valuable flax
(Musa textilis), from which some of the finest muslins of India are prepared.
The stems are formed of the united petioles of the leaves, which are remarka-
ble for the vast quantity of spiral vessels they contain : these exist in such
numbers as to be capable of being pulled out by handfuls, and they are actu-
ally collected in the West Indies and sold as a kind of tinder. Dec. Org. 38.
The number of threads in each convolution of these spiral vessels varies from
7 to 22. Ibid. 37. The young shoots of the Banana are eaten as a delicate
vegetable. The root of Heliconia Psittacorum, and the seed of Urania speci-
osa, are said to be eatable. The juice of the fruit and the lymph of the stem
of Musa are slightly astringent and diaphoretic. The juice of the fruit of
Urania is used for dying. Agdh.
Examples. Musa, Heliconia, Strelitzia, Urania.
CCXLIV. JUNCE^E. The Rush Tribe.
Junci, Juss. Gen. (1769), in part.—JvxCEit, Dec. Ft. Fr. 3. 155. (1815); R. Ilrown Prodr.
257. (1810); Dec. and Duby, 474. (1828) ; Ldndl. Synops. 273. (1829.)— Juncacex, Agardh
Aphor. 156. (1823), in part.
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous herbaceous monocotyledons, with a superior
ovarium, a half-glumaceous regular perianthium, a pale soft testa, a single
style, capsular fruit, and an embryo next the hilum.
Anomalies. Flowers sometimes scarcely glumaceous.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoclinous or diclinous. Calyx and corolla forming
an inferior, 6-parted, more or less glumaceous perianthium. Stamens (i, inserted into the
base of the segments ; sometimes 3, and then opposite the calyx. Anthers 2-celled. Ovarium
1- or 3-celled, 1- or many-seeded, or 1-cellcd and 3-secded. Style]. Stigmas generally 3,
sometimes only 1. Fruit capsular, with 3 valves, which have the dissepiment in their middle,
sometimes destitute of valves, and 1-seeded by abortion. Seeds with a testa, which is neither
black nor crustaceous; albumen firm, fleshy, or cartilaginous; embryo within it. R. Br.
(1810.) — Herbaceous plants, with fascicled or fibrous roots. Leaves fistular, or flat and chan-
nelled with parallel veins. Injloresccnce often more or less capitate. Fhicers generally
brown or green.
209
Affinities. This order, in its most genuine state, may be said to stand
between Petaloideous and Glumaceous Monocotyledons, agreeing with the
former in the floral leaves having assumed the verticiUate state necessary to
constitute a perianthium, and with the latter in their texture. But while a
glumaceous confounded calyx and corolla are the characteristic of one part of
the order, another part, approaching Asphodelese, assumes a petaloid state ; so
that little is finally left to separate Junceae from the latter, except the difference
in the testa of their seed. Mr. Brown remarks that Junceae are intermediate
between Restiaceae and Asphodelese, differing from the former in having an
included embryo, a radicle usually centripetal, and the stamens, when there are
only 3, opposite the sepals ; from Asphodeleae in the integument of the seed,
in the texture of the perianthium, and in habit. Prodr. 258. Agardh com-
bines Restiacea; and Junceae. Jlph. 157.
From Palms they are distinguished, independently of their habit, by the
texture of the perianthium, by the constant tendency to produce more than 1
ovulum in each cell, and by the embryo never being remote from the hilum.
Juncus is an instance of a monocotyledonous plant having distinct pith.
" Xerotes, in the structure and appearance of its flowers, and in the texture of
albumen, has a considerable resemblance to Palms, but it wants the peculiar
characters of the seed, and also the habit of that remarkable order. Flagella-
ria differs from Xerotes chiefly in its pericarpium, and in the form and relation
of its embryo to the albumen, which is also of a different texture. In all these
respects it approaches to Cyperaceae, with some of whose genera it has even
a certain resemblance in habit." Brown in Flinders, 578. From Melan-
thaceae they are known by their concrete carpella, and anthers turned in-
wards.
Geography. Chiefly found in the colder parts of the world, some even in
the coldest, two existing in the ungenial climate of Melville Island. Several,
however, are known in the tropics. Eight are mentioned as inhabiting the
tropical parts of New Holland alone. According to Humboldt, (Diss. Geogr.
43,) they constitute j}j of the flowering plants in the equinoctial zone ; in the
temperate zone, g\ ; in the frozen zone, ^ ; in North America, T}7 ; in France,
•gL. In Sicily, according to Presl, they do not form more than ^^.
Properties. Only employed for mechanical purposes, as the Rush and
others for making the bottoms of chairs, &c. ; the pith of the same for the
wick of common candles. Jancus effusus is cultivated in Japan for making
floor-mats. Thumb. The leaves of Flagellaria are said to be astringent and
vulnerary.
Examples. Juncus, Luzula, Dasypogon.
CCXLV. MELANTHACE.E. The Colchicum Tribe.
Melasthee, Batsch. Tab. Aff. (1802.)— Colchicaceje, Dec. Fl. Fr. 3. 192. (1815); Ess.
Med. 298. (1816.)— MelanthacejE, R. Broun Prodr. 272. (1810); Lindl. Synops. 264.
(1829); Dec. and Duby, 473. (1S28.)— Veratreje, Salisb. in Hort. Trans. 1. 328.
(1812) ; Agardh Aplior. 166. (1823.)— Merender^e, Mirb. according to Decandolle.
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with nearly separate car-
pella, and anthers turned outwards.
Anomalies. Campynema has an inferior ovarium.
270
Essential Character.— Perianthium inferior, pctaloid, in 6 pieces, or, in consequence of
the cohesion of their claw?, tubular ; the pieces generally involute in aestivation. Stamens 6 ;
anthers mostly turned outwards. Ovarium 3-celled, many-seeded; style trifid or 3-parted ;
stigmas undivided. Capsule generally divisible into 3 pieces; sometimes with a loculicidal
dehiscence. Seeds with a membranous testa ; albumen dense, fleshy. R. Br. — Roots fibrous,
sometimes fascicled. Rhizoma sometimes fleshy. Leaves sheathing at the base, with parallel
veins. Flowers either arising from under the surface of the ground, or arranged upon tall
leafy stems in large panicles, or disposed in spikes or racemes upon a naked scape.
Affinities. Mr. Brown, who restored this tribe, considers its station to be
between Asphodeleee and Juncese, from both which it is known by its triparti-
te fruit, and anthers turned outwards. The genera differ very much in habit,
which renders it doubtful whether some further change in the order will not be
necessary. Their properties are more uniform than their appearance.
Geography. Frequent at the Cape of Good Hope, not uncommon in
Europe, Asia, and North America, and existing in the tropics of India and
New Holland, this order appears to be confined within no geographical limits ;
it is, however, far more abundant in northern countries than elsewhere.
Properties. Poisonous in every species, but more especially in the
Colchicum and Veratrum. The cormus of the former is a well-known acrid
cathartic, narcotic, and diuretic ; the latter is a nauseous, dangerous emetic.
The medicinal properties of the root of Veratrum are, owing to a peculiar
alkaline principle, called Veratrin, which acts with singular energy on the
membrane of the nose, exciting violent sneezings, though taken in very
minute quantity. When taken internally in very small doses, it produces
excessive irritation of the mucous coat of the stomach and intestines ; and a
few grains are found fatal to the lower animals. Turner, 652. Veratrum
viride of North America is an acrid, emetic, and powerful stimulant, followed
by sedative effects. Bigelow, 2. 125. Veratrin is found in the root of the
Colchicum. Turner, 652. Gloriosa superba is recorded to possess similar
acrid powers. The root of Helonias dioica in infusion is anthelmintic, but its
tincture is bitter and tonic. Dec.
Examples. Colchicum, Melanthium, Uvularia, Bulbocodium, Tofieldia.
CCXLV1. PONTEDERE^S.
Pontederete, Kunth in Humb. et Bonpl. N. G. 1. 211.(1815); Agardh Aph. 1G9. (1823);
Hooker in Bot. Mag. 2932". (1829.)— Pontederiace.e, Ach. Rich. Aouv. Elem. ed. 4.
427. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with a superior ovarium
and irregular perianthium, involute after flowering.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Perianthium tubular, coloured, 6-parted, more or less irregular,
with a circinate aestivation. Stamens 3 or C, unequal, arising from the calyx. Ovarium su-
perior,]or rarely half inferior, 3-celled, many-seeded ; style I ; stigma simple. Capsule 3-celled,
3-valved, with loculicidal dehiscence. Seeds indefinite, attached to a central axis ; hilum
small ; embryo orthotropous, in the axis of somewhat mealy albumen.— Aquatic or wzars/i-plants.
Leaves sheathing at the base, with parallel veins. Flowers either solitary, or in spikes or um-
bels, spathaceous, frequently blue.
Affinities. These were referred to Commelinese by Mr. Salisbury, and are
considered nearly related to that order by M. Ach. Richard, who, however,
separates them, suggesting their being referable to the great receptacle of mis-
cellaneous monocotyledons called Liliacea). It is not improbable that the nearest
271
relation of Pontedereae is with Asphodeleaer, (to which Link actually refers Pon-
tedera,) and Butomea?, from both which they are known by their irregular
flowers rolling inwards after expansion, independently of more minute charac-
ters derived from the structure of the seeds and fruit. Dr. Hooker, who has
given an excellent figure of Pontederia azurea, states that each fibre of the
roots has a calyptrate covering at the extremity, similar to that found on the
roots of the Duck-weed.
Geography. Water-plants found exclusively in North and South America,
the East Indies, and tropical Africa.
Properties. Plants with neat deep green leaves and showy flowers ; of
no known use.
Examples. Pontederia, Hcteranthera.
CCXLVII. ASPHODELEiE. The Asphodel Tribe.
Asparagi and Asphodeli, of Juss. chiefly, (1789). — Asphodele.e, R. Brown, Prodr. 275.
(1810); Dec. and Dubij, 463. (1828) a section of Liliacea: ; lAndl. Sy?iops. 266. (1829).—
Alliace-E, Aloin.e, H vacinthin.k, Dracenacee, Link Handb. vol. 1. (1829,) all sections
o/*Liliaceac. — Asparagin^e, lb. 272. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with a superior ovarium,
anthers turned inwards, a coloured perianthium, a 3-celled fruit, a hard black
brittle testa, and an undivided style.
Anomalies. Tricoryne has three distinct carpella.
Essential Character. — Calyx and corolla forming a 6-parted or 6-cleft, petaloid, regular
■perianthium. Stamens 6, inserted upon the perianthium, or hypogynous ; the 3 opposite the
sepals sometimes either unlike the rest or wanting, Ovarium superior, 3-celled, with 2- or
many-seeded cells ; ovules when 2, ascending; style 1; stigma entire, or with 3 short lobes.
Fruit mostly a 3-celled, 3-valved capsule, with a loculicidal dehiscence; occasionally succu-
lent, and sometimes 3-parted. Seeds with a testa, which is black, brittle, and crustaceous ;
albumen fleshy ; embryo included. — Herbaceous plants, or occasionally trees, with bulbs, or fas-
cicled roots. Leaves with parallel veins. Peduncles articulated in the middle. Flowers co-
loured.
Affinities. There is really no other absolute distinction between these
and Juncea: on the one hand, than their more petaloid perianthium and hard
brittle testa ; or Liliacea?, on the other, than their smaller flowers and testa.
They are, nevertheless, properly established as an independent order, occupy-
ing a higher place in the scale of developement than the Rush tribe, and a
lower than that of Lilies. From Melanthaceee they are known by their an-
thers not being turned outwards ; from Smilacea?, their simple undivided style,
narrow leaves, erect habit, and hard brittle testa, are marks of separation ; at
least it seems that, unless the two tribes are to be so distinguished, they must
be considered the same. By some they are actually united ; by others different
limits have been sought ; but the baccate and capsular genera can by no means
be collected into two groupes. Mr. Brown justly remarks (Prodr. 275), that
there is very commonly in this tribe an articulation in the middle, or at the
apex of the peduncle, which is scarcely found in any of the neighbouring
tribes, except in some Aneilemas, among Commelinea3, and in Sanseviera, a
genus usually referred to Asphodeleae, but which Mr. Brown appears to consi-
der belonging to some other tribe, without stating to what, perhaps to his He-
merocallideee, which are understood here to be the same as Liliaceae. The
greatest confusion exists in authors as to the limits of the orders near Asphode-
leae, particularly in regard to those now mentioned.
272
Geography. Scattered widely over the world ; but much more abundant
in temperate climates than in the tropics, where they chiefly exist in an arbo-
rescent state. Aloes are mostly found in the southern parts of Africa. One
species is a native of the West Indies, and two or three more of Arabia and the
East. Dracamas, the most gigantic of the order, attain their largest size in the
Canaries. A Dracaena Draco is described in the Anncdes des Sciences, 14. 140.
as being between 70 and 75 feet high, 46| feet in circumference at the base,
and it was known to have been a very ancient tree in the year 1496. The
northern Flora comprehends for the most part plants of the genera Scilla, Hya-
cinthus, Allium, and Omithogalum. In the East Indies Asphodeleae are rare ;
in New Holland they form a distinctly marked feature of the vegetation.
Properties. The tribe consists almost entirely of beautiful flowers, general
favourites in gardens. A bitter stimulant principle, contained in a gummy vis-
cid juice, prevails in all, differing in the species chiefly in regard to its quantity
and degree of concentration. The bulb of the Scilla maritima is nauseous and
acrid ; it acts either as an emetic, purgative, or expectorant and diuretic, in pro-
portion to the dose in which it is given. Its properties are said to be due to a
peculiar principle, called by M. Vogel, Scillitin. The Onion, Garlic, Shallot,
Chive, Rocambole, all species of Allium, agree in their stimulant, diuretic, and
expectorant effects, differing in their degree of activity. According to Dr. A.
T. Thomson, the virtues of the genus Allium depend on an acrid principle, solu-
ble in water, alcohol, acids, and alkalies. Conspectus, p. 9. In consequence
of the free phosphoric acid which the common Onion bulbs contain, they are
supposed to be useful in calculous cases. Ibid. Aloes act in like manner as
stimulants, to which they owe their remarkable cathartic powers. Socotrine
Aloes, so called from being produced in Zocotora, are obtained from Aloe spi-
cata. Linn. An inferior sort, sold in the East Indian bazars, is supposed to be
the produce of Aloe perfoliata. MnsUe, 1. 9. This is the Barbadoes Aloes,
or Hepatic Aloes of the shops. The root of Dracaena terminalis is considered
by the Javanese a valuable medicine in dysenteric affections. Ibid. 2. 20. The
juice of Dracama Draco is the Gum Dragon, a styptic substance, well known
in medicine ; it flows from the plants abundantly when cut. The bitter resi-
nous root of Aletris farinosa is tonic and stomachic, in small doses ; but a dose
of 20 grains occasions much nausea, with a tendency to vomit. Bigelow, 3.
96. The bulbs of Scilla Lilio-Hyacinthus, and the roots of Anthericum bicolor,
are both purgative, according to Decandolle, Propr. Med. 296. The juice of
common Asparagus contains a peculiar principle, called Asparagin. Tur-
ner, 699.
Examples. No good sections have been yet formed ; those of Link, quoted
above, are not sufficiently well defined. The principal types of structure are,
Scilla, Asphodelus, Hyacinthus, Puschkinia, Brodiaja, Aloe, Aletris, Aspara-
gus.
CCXLVIII. GILLIESIEiE.
Giluesiejs, Lindl. in Bot. Reg. 992. (1826); Hooker in Bol. Mag. 2716. (1827.)
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with a superior ovarium,
and irregular petaloid involucella.
Anomalies.
273
Essential Character. — Plowers monoclinous, surrounded by bracterc, the outer of which
are petaloid and herbaceous, the inner depauperated and coloured. Perianthium minute,
cither a sing-le labelloid lobe, or an urceolate 6-toothed body. Stamens 6, either all fertile, or
3 sterile and nearly obliterated. Ovarium superior, 3-celled ; style 1 ; stigma simple. Cap'
sule 3-celled, 3-valved, with a loculicidal dehiscence, many-seeded. Seeds attached to the
axis, by means of a broad hollow neck ; testa black and brittle ; embryo curved in the midst
of fleshy albumen. — Small herbaceous plants, with tunicated bulbs, heaves grass-like.
Flowers umbellate, somewhat spathaceous, inconspicuous.
Affinities. The distinctions of many of the natural orders among Hexa*
petaloideous Dicotyledons are so slight, as far as technical characters are capa-
ble of being employed, that the separation of this tribe from Asphodelea seems
justifiable, even now that the structure of the seeds is known, and that they are
found to be essentially those of Asphodel eae, except in having a crustaceous
neck that connects them with the placenta. The tribe was originally proposed
in the Botanical Register, from which, as the work is in few hands, I make the
Following rather long extract :
" The whole structure of this most remarkable plant is so peculiar, that we
scarcely know whether the definition and description of the parts of fructifi-
cation above given will not be considered more paradoxical than just ; and
yet, if the analogies the various organs bear to those of other plants be care-
fully considered, their structure will scarcely admit of any other interpreta-
tion. With respect to the five petaloid leaves, which are here described as
bractea;, and which bear a considerable degree of resemblance to a perian-
thium, it may be observed, that this appearance is more apparent than real j
they neither correspond in insertion nor in number with the segments of a mo-
nocotyledonous perianthium, nor do they bear the same relation to the parts
contained as a perianthium should bear. The three outer are not inserted on
the same line, but are distinctly imbricated at the base ; and the two inner do
not complete the second series, as would be required in a regular monocotyle-
donous perianthium.
" But if we were to admit, for a moment, the possibility of these bracteaa
being segments of a perianthium, what explanation could be given of the seti-
form processes proceeding from their base, or of the central fleshy slipper-like
body from within which the stamens proceed 1 The former bear no determi-
nate relation to the other parts of the flower in their insertion ; they are sub-
ject to much diversity of form and number, being sometimes eight, consisting
of two unequal subulate bodies proceeding from the edges of each lateral seg-
ment, the outermost of the two being wider than the innermost, and being,
moreover, not unfrequently a manifest process of the margin of the segment
itself; sometimes having their number reduced to four by the suppression of
the exterior processes of each lateral segment ; and occasionally having the
outer processes suppressed on one segment, and not suppressed on the other.
In the many flowers which have been under examination, the processes, more-
over, were always constituted of cellular tissue alone, without either tracheae
or tubular vessels. These circumstances being considered, it will scarcely be
proposed, we presume, to identify them with abortive stamina. If they are,
notwithstanding what has been advanced, determined to be the perianthium
itself, what becomes of the outer segments, which had previously been referred
to perianthium 1 for it would be difficult to trace any analogy between the
structure of Gilliesia and of those genera in which a third series is added to
the usual senary division of Monocotyledones. But none of the peculiarities
adverted to are opposed to those bodies being referred to depauperated or
reduced bracteee.
" With respect to the central body from which the stamens proceed, this
body, which might be conveniently disposed of by referring it to what Linnaean
botanists call a nectarium, consists, as we have seen, of a fleshy slipper-like
45
274
lobe, with or without two auricles at the base, and within which the cup of
stamens is inserted. The relation it bears, as regards insertion, to the parts
which have been already noticed, is very obscure ; it is always opposite the
solitary external bractere ; but whether it is anterior with respect to the com-
mon axis of inflorescence, or posterior, has not at present been ascertained.
The reasons which have been offered for the view here taken of the parts sur-
rounding' this body, make it obvious that it must be considered the periantbium.
But of this more will be said hereafter. For the present it will be sufficient
to remark, that it manifestly bears an intimate relation to the stamens, being
obliterated in the same direction and degree as they are.
" In this view, then, the petaloid segments are considered perfect bractese,
the subulate interior processes abortive bracteee, and the fleshy central label-
loid body the perianthium.
" However paradoxical this description of Gilliesia may appear, and how-
ever inconclusive the arguments adduced in support of the view we have
taken of it may have hitherto been considered, they will probably be found
more deserving of attention if compared with a nearly allied plant discovered
in Chile, by our friend John Miers, Esq., after whom it has been named. This
singular genus forms part of a most valuable and remarkable collection of
botanical drawings, which were made by Mr. Miers during his long residence
in Chile, and which, it is to be hoped, will, at some future day, be laid before
the public. Having been kindly permitted to make use of the drawing and
manuscript description of the plant alluded to, we shall endeavour to explain
the analogies and relation which exist between it and Gilliesia.
" In Miersia the bractece are six in number, of which two are interior and
four exterior, a still more valid reason against their being segments of a perian-
thium. The subulate processes assume a more regular form, and a more con-
stant mode of insertion, but still bear no very apparent relation to the bractea? ;
and the fleshy labelloid central body is represented by an urceolate six-toothed
cup, within the orifice of which six fertile stamens are included. In Miersia,
therefore, the perianthium, which was in Gilliesia subject to a certain degree of
imperfection, in which the stamens also participated, is in the usual regular form
of many Monocotyledones, no irregularity occurring in the stamens. As there
can be no doubt of the strict analogy which exists between Gilliesia and Mier-
sia in their fructification, and as there can be little doubt that the central body
of the latter genus is perianthium, it will follow as a natural consequence, that
as the supernumerary appendages of that genus are external with respect to
the perianthium, and therefore neither perianthium nor stamens, so also will
the analogous appendages of Gilliesia not be perianthium. And the central
body having been ascertained to be perianthium, all the parts which surround
it will necessarily be bracteae, or modifications of bracteae.
" The natural affinity of these two genera is extremely obscure ; and till
some accurate information can be obtained of the structure of their seeds,
it must be a subject of much uncertainty. Even with the requisite informa-
tion upon that point, it is not probable that they will be found to bear any
very close relation to the other monocotyledonous orders at present known.
Then tunicated bulbs, spathaceous inflorescence, and general appearance,
place them near Asphodeles?, with some genera of which, especially Muscari
and Puschkinia, Miersia at least agrees in the structure of perianthium : but we
are acquainted with no genus of Asphodclea; to which the fructification of
Gilliesieae can be otherwise compared. If the one-flowered species of Schoenus,
in which a single naked flower is surrounded by several imbricated squama?,
be admitted as a form of inflorescence analogous to that under consideration, it
may perhaps be allowable to carry this comparison yet further, and to suggest
an identity of origin and function between the depauperated bractece of Gilliesia
275
and the hypogynoug seta? of Scirpus and other Cyperaceae. But on account
of the presence of a perianthium, and of their polyspermous three-celled capsule,
Gillicsiene may perhaps be with most propriety referred to the neighbourhood
of Restiaceaa, whose imbricated inflorescence does not offer any very powerful
obstacle."
At this time the structure of the seeds was unknown : I have since been able
to ascertain their nature, in consequence of a supply having been given me by
Mr. Cruikshanks. The result of their examination, while it strengthens the
opinion of their vicinity to Asphodeleae, and weakens that of a relation to Res-
tiacese, does not induce me to alter my view of them as constituting a small
but distinct order.
Geography. Chilian bulbs.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Gillicsia, Miersia.
CCXLIX. SMILACE^E. The Smilax Tribe.
Asparagi, Ju?s. Gen. (1789) in part. — Smilaceje, R. Brown, Prodr. 292. (1810); Lindl.
Synopa. 270. (1829).— Trilliace-e, Dec. Ess. Med. 294. (1816).— Asparageje, Dec. and
Duby, 458. (1828).— Asparagine.e, Ach. Rich. Diet. Class. 2. 20. 1822; Nouv. Elem. cd.
4. 430. (1829).— Smilacinje, Link Hanb. 1. 275. (1829).— Paride*, lb. 277. (1829).— Con-
vallariace*, lb. 184. (1829) a sect, of Liliacese.
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with a superior ovarium,
anthers turned inwards, a coloured perianthium, a 3-celled succulent fruit, a
membranous testa, and a triple style.
Anomalies. Tamus has the ovarium inferior. The parts of the flower are
quaternary in Paris.
Essential Characters. — Flowers monoclinous or dicecious. Calyx and corolla confounded,
inferior, petaloid, (i-partcd. Stamens 6, inserted into the perianthium near the base; seldom
hypoarynous. Ovarium 3-celled, the cells 1- or many-seeded; style usually trifid; stigmas 3.
fruit a roundish berry. Seeds with a membranous testa (not black or brittle) ; albumen
between fleshy and cartilaginous ; embryo usually distant from the hilum. R. Br. — Herbaceous
plants or under-shrubs, often with a tendency to climb. Leaves sometimes with reticulated
veins.
Affinities. So nearly the same as Asphodeleae, that some botanists unite
them, others separate them upon different principles from those adopted here,
and others strike certain genera off from both the one tribe and the other. The
leaves of Smilaceae are broader and shorter, with more of a dicotyledonous
appearance than the ensate or grassy ones of Asphodeleae, and the stem has a
frequent tendency to twine. Even in Ruscus some trace of this is visible, in.
R. racemosus, although there is nothing to indicate it in R. hypophyllum and
the like.
Geography. Found in small quantities in most parts of the world, espe-
cially in Asia and N. America.
Properties. Best known for the diuretic demulcent powers of Smilax
Sarsaparilla, which also exist in other species of the same genus. Smilax
aspera is a common substitute in the south of Europe. Smilax China has a
large fleshy root, the decoction of which is supposed to have virtues equal to
that of Sarsaparilla in improving the health after the use of Mercury. Accord-
ing to the Abbe Rochon, the Chinese often eat it instead of rice, and it contri-
butes to make them lusty. Ainslie, 1. 70. The root of Medeola virginica is
stated to be diuretic, and to have some reputation as a hydragogue. Barton, 2.
276
147. The roots of Trillium are generally violently emetic, and their mawkish,
rather nauseous berries are at least suspicious. Dec.
Examples. Trillium, Paris, Medeola, Convallaria, Streptopus, Smilax,
Drymophila, Ripogonum.
CCL. DIOSCORE.E. The Yam Tribe.
DjOscoreje, R. Broun, Prodr. 214. (1810); Agardh Aphor. 169. (1823); Ach. Rich. Novt.
Elem. 434. (1828).
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with an inferior ovarium,
diclinous flowers, and a minute herbaceous spreading regular perianthium.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers dioecious. Calyx and corolla confounded, superior. Slami-
miferous: Stamens 6, inserted into the base of the sepals and petals. Pistilliferous : Ovarium
3-celled, with 1- or 2-seeded cells ; style deeply trifid ; stigmas undivided. Fruit leaf-like, coj»-
pressed, with two of its cells sometimes abortive. Seeds flat, compressed ; embryo small, near
the hilum, lying in a large cavity of cartilaginous albumen. — Twining shrubs. Leaves alter-
nate, occasionally opposite, usually with reticulated veins. Flowers small, spiked, with from
1 to 3 bractea? each.
Affinities. Undoubtedly the nearest approach among monocotyledons to
the dicotyledonous structure ; according to Mr. Brown approaching Smilaceae
in structure and habit, but separable from them by the threefold character of
inferior ovarium, capsular fruit, and albumen having a large cavity. Tamus
is, however, between the two tribes, agreeing with Smilaceee in its baccate, with
Dioscorere in its inferior fruit. Prodr. 294. The leaves are altogether those
of dicotyledons ; the stem, flower, and seeds, of monocotyledons.
Geography. Found exclusively in tropical countries of either hemisphere,
if Tamus be excluded.
Properties. The yams, so important a food in all tropical countries, be-
cause of their large, fleshy, mucilaginous, sweetish tubers, are the only remark-
able plants of the order.
Examples. Dioscorea, Rajania, Oncus, yEchma.
CCLI. LILIACEiE. The Lily Tribe.
Liua, Juss. Crew. 48. (1789).— Narcissi, the first sect. Ibid. 54. (1789.)— Hem erocallideje,
R. Brown Prodr. 295. (1810).— Liliaceje, Dec. Thcor. Elem. 1, 249. (1813); Dec. and
Duby, 461. (1828.) in part ; Lindl. Synops. 266. (1829).— Tulipace*, Deb. Ess. Med.
297. (1816) ; Dec. and Duby, 461 (1828) ; Link. Handb 1. 177. (1829) a sect, of Liliacese.
— Coronarije, Agardh Aphor. 165. (1823).
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with a superior ovarium,
highly developed perianthium, anthers turned inwards, a trilocular polysper-
mous capsule, and seeds with a soft spongy coat.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Calyx and corolla confounded, coloured, regular, occasionally
cohering in a tube. Stamens 6, inserted into the sepals and petals. Ovary superior, 3-celled,
many-seeded; style 1 ; stigma simple, or 3-lobed. Fruit dry, capsular, 3-celled, many-seeded,
277
with a loculicidal dehiscence. Seeds flat, packed one upon another in 1 or 2 rows, with a
spongy, dilated, often winged integument; embryo with the same direction as the seed, in the
axis of fleshy albumen. Bulbs scaly, or stems arborescent. Leaves with parallel veins,
either lanceolate or cordate. Mowers large, usually with bright colours, often solitary.
Affinities. Distinguishable from Asphodeleae by their higher degree of
developement, and by the texture of the coat of their seeds. Various degrees
of cohesion between their sepals and petals occur, so that we have tubular pe-
rianths and revolute ones even in the same genus (Lilium). Hence Mr.
Brown's Hemerocallidere, which he states differ from Liliaceae in almost no-
thing but their tubular perianth, cannot be retained. Decandolle refers Ery-
thronium to Asphodeleffi in the Botanicon Gallicum ; in the Flore Franqais e
he placed it in Melanthaceae ; but it surely ought to be stationed here.
Geography. The temperate parts of America, Europe, and Asia, are the
favourite resort of this tribe, which stretches towards equinoctial countries upon
the mountains of Mexico in the form of Calochortus, and in New Holland in
the shape of Blandfordia.
Properties. Chiefly remarkable for their large richly coloured flowers.
The bulbs of Lilium Pomponium are roasted and eaten in Kamtschatka,
where it is as commonly cultivated as the potato with us. Gard. Mag. 6.
322. The roots of Erythronium indicum are employed in India in cases of
strangury and fever in horses. Ainslie, 1. 403. Polianthes tuberosa, or the
Tuberose, is well known for its delicious fragrance. This plant emits its scent
most strongly after sunset, and has been observed in a sultry evening, after
thunder, when the atmosphere was highly charged with electric fluid, to dart
small sparks, or scintillations of lucid flame, in great abundance from such of
its flowers as were fading. Ed. P. J. 3. 415.
Examples. Lilium, Fritillaria, Hemerocallis, Funkia.
CCLII. PALMjE. The Palm Tribe.
Palm*, Juss. Gen. (1789) ; R. Brown Prodr. 266. (1810) ; Von Martius Palm. Braz. (1824)
Id. 'Programma (1824.)
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous arborescent monocotyledons, with rigid di-
vided leaves, a superior 3-celled ovarium, and an embryo lying in cartilaginous
or fleshy albumen at a distance from the hilum.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Floicers monoclinous, or frequently polygamous. Perianthium
6-parted, in two series, persistent ; the 3 outer segments often smaller, the inner sometimes
deeply connate. Stamens inserted into the base of the perianthium, usually definite in num-
ber, opposite the segments of the perianthium, to which they are equal in number, seldom 3 ;
sometimes, in a few polygamous genera, indefinite in number. Ovary 1- 3-celled, or deeply
3-lobed, the lobes or cells 1-seeded, with an erect ovulum rarely 1-seeded. Fruit baccate or
drupaceous, with fibrous flesh. Albumen cartilaginous, and either ruminate, or furnished with
a central or ventral cavity; embryo lodged in a particular cavity of the albumen, usually at
a distance from the hilum, dorsal and indicated by a little nipple, taper or pully-shaped ; plu-
mula included, scarcely visible ; the cotyledonous extremity becoming thickened in germina-
tion, and either filling up a pre-existing cavity, or one formed by the liquefaction of the albu-
men in the centre.— Trunk arborescent, simple, occasionally shrubby and branched, rough
with the dilated half-sheathing bases of the leaves or their scars. Leaves clustered, terminal,
very large, pinnate or flabellitorm, plaited in vernation. Spadix terminal, often branched, en-
closed in a 1- or many-valved spatha. Flowers small, with bracteoke. Fruit occasionally very
large. R. Brown (1810.) J J
Affinities. The race of plants to which the name of Palms has been as-
signed is, no doubt, the most interesting in the vegetable kingdom, if we consi-
278
rter the majestic aspect of their towering stems, crowned by a sun more gigan-
tic foliage ; the character of. grandeur which they impress 'upon the landscape
of the countries they inhabit ; their immense value to mankind, as affording
food, and raiment, and numerous objects of economical importance ; or, finally,
the prodigious developement of those organs by which their race is to be propa-
gated. A single spatha of the Date contains about 12,000 stammiferous flow-
ers ; Alfonsia amygdalina has been computed to have 207,000 in a spathe, or
600,000 upon a single individual ; while every bunch of the Seje Palm of the
Oronoco bears 8000 fruit. They are very uniform in the botanical characters
by which they are distinguished, especially in their fleshy colourless 6-partcd
flowers, enclosed in spathes, their minute embryo lying in the midst of albu-
men remote from the hilum, and their arborescent stems with rigid, plaited or
pinnated, inarticulated leaves, called fronds ; but their aspect and habits are
extremely various. To use the words of the most accomplished traveller of
our own, or any age : — "While some (Kunthia montana, Aiphanes Praga,
Oreodoxa frigida) have trunks as slender as the graceful reed, or longer than
the longest cable, (Calamus Rudentnm, 500 feet), others (Jubaea spectabilis
and Cocos butyracea) are 3 and even 5 feet thick ; while some grow collected
in groups (Mauritia flexuosa, Chamaerops humilis), others (Oreodoxa regia,
Martinezia caryotasfolia) singly dart their slender trunks into the air; while
some have a low caudex (Attalea amygdalina), others exhibit a towering stem
160-180 feet high (Ceroxylon andicola) ; and while one part flourishes in the
low valleys of the tropics, or on the declivities of the lower mountains, to the
elevation of 900 feet, another part consists of mountaineers bordering upon
the limits of perpetual snow." To which may be added, that while many
have a cylindrical undivided stem, the Doom Palm of Upper Eg}rpt, and the
Hyphaene coriacea are remarkable for their dichotomous repeatedly divided
trunk. In botanical affinity they approach as nearly to Junceee as to any or-
der, but they can hardly be said to be closely allied to those at present known.
The relation that was supposed to exist between them and Cycadeas was in-
ferred from inaccurate or imperfect considerations ; and there is nothing in Pan-
daneae that can approximate that order, except their dichotomous trunks. The
Calamus genus, and the siliceous secretions of their leaves, indicate an affinity
with Gramineae, which would hardly be anticipated, if the grasses of our Eu-
ropean meadows are compared with the Cocoa Nuts of the Indies, but which
becomes more apparent when the Bamboo is placed by the side of the cane.
Geography. Von Martius, the great illustrator of this noble family, speaks
thus of their habits and geographical arrangement : — " Palms, the splendid
offspring of Tellus and Phoebus, chiefly acknowledge as their native . land
those happy regions seated within the tropics, where the beams of the latter
forever shine. Inhabitants of either world, they hardly range beyond 35° in
the southern, or 40° in the northern hemisphere. Particular species scaicely
extend beyond their own peculiar and contracted limits, on which account there
are few countries favourable for their production in which some local and pecu-
liar species are not found : the few that are dispersed over many lands are
chiefly Cocos nucifera, Acrocomia sclerocarpa, and Borassus flabelliformis. It
is probable that the number of species thus scattered over the face of nature
will be found to amount to 1000 or more. Of these not a few love the humid
banks of rivulets and streams, others occupy the shores of the ocean, and some
ascend into alpine regions ; some collect into dense forests, others spring up
singly, or in clusters over the plains." Progr. 6. But if this statement be true
as to the probable number of Palms, how little can be now known of then-
structure, seeing that not more than 175 are at this moment described, of
which 119 are South American, 14 African, and 42 Indian. The testimony
of Von Martius is, however, confirmed hy» Humboldt, who also asserts that
279
there must be an incredible number still to discover in equinoctial regions, es»
pecially if we consider how little is yet known of Africa, Asia, New Holland,
and America. He and Bonpland discovered a new species in almost every 50
miles of travelling, so narrow are the limits within which their range is con-
fined. A different opinion appears to be entertained by Schouw, a respectable
Danish writer upon botanical geography, whose views deserve to be quoted,
although he is far from having had such personal means of judging as Hum-
boldt and Von Martius. He seems to consider that we are acquainted
already with the greater part of the Palms ; for he says, "it appears from the
reports of travellers that such Palm woods as those of South America are
less frequent in other parts of the world. Africa and New Holland seem to be
less favourable to this tribe, for on the Congo, Smith found only from 3 to 4
Palms. In Guinea we know merely of the same number; and of the other
African Palms, 6 belong to the Isles of Bourbon and France. New Holland
has, in the torrid zone, three species, while Forster' s Prodromus of the Flora
of the South Sea Islands contains four." The most northern limit of Palms is
that of Chamcerops palmetto in N. America, in lat. 34°-36°, and of Chama-
rops humilis in Europe, near Nice, in 43°-44° N. lat. They are found in the
southern hemisphere as low as 38° in New Zealand. " It is remarkable that
no species of Palm has been found in South Africa, nor was any observed by
M. Leschenault on the west coast of New Holland, even within the tropic."
Brown in Flinders, 577. If Palms were not, as some say, among the earliest
plants that clothed the face of the globe, none of their remains existing, mixed
with the Ferns and Equisetums of the old coal formations, it is at least certain
that their creation dates long before that of the present Flora of the globe.
But it is probable that they really did exist at the most remote periods : for the
Noggerathia foliosa of Sternberg from the coal-fields of Bohemia seems really
to have been a Palm ; and M. Adolphe Bronginart refers two other fossils of
the same epoch to this family. It is at least certain that they appeared imme-
diately after the developement of Cycadea? ceased in European latitudes, and
that of Conuerae took a more decided form ; as we find unquestionable traces
of thern hi those deposits above the plastic clay which Brongniart calls Marno-
Charbonneux.
Properties. Wine, oil, wax, flour, sugar, salt, says Humboldt, are the
produce of this tribe ; to which Von Martius adds, thread, utensils, weapons,
food, and habitations. The most remarkable is the Cocoa Nut, of which an
excellent account will be found in the Trans, of the Werncrian Society, vol. 5.
The root is sometimes masticated instead of the Areca Nut ; of the small fi-
bres baskets are made in Brazil. The hard case of the stem is converted into
drums, and used in the construction of huts ; the lower part is so hard as to
take a beautiful polish, when it resembles agate ; the reticulated substance at
the base of the leaf is formed into cradles, and, as some say, into a coarse kind
of cloth. The unexpanded terminal bud is a delicate article of food ; the
leaves furnish thatch for dwellings, and materials for fences, buckets, and
baskets ; they are used for writing on, and make excellent torches ; potash in
abundance is yielded by their ashes ; the midrib of the leaf serves for oars ; the
juice of the flower and stems is replete with sugar, and is fermented into excel-
lent wine, or distilled into a sort of spirit, called Arrack ; or the sugar itself is
separated under the name of Jagery. The value of the fruit for food, and the
delicious beverage which it contains, are well known to all Europeans. The
fibrous and uneatable rind is not less useful ; it is not only used to polish furni-
ture and to scour the floors of rooms, but is manufactured into a kind of cord-
age, called Coir rope, which is nearly equal in strength to hemp, and which
Dr. Roxburgh designates as the very best of all materials for cables, on ac-
count of its great elasticity and strength. Finally, an excellent oil is obtained
280
from the kernel by expression. The juice which flows from the wounded
spathes of Palms, especially of Cocos nucifera, is known in India by the name
of Toddy. Independently of the grateful qualities of this fluid as a beverage,
it is found to be the simplest and easiest remedy that can be employed for re-
moving constipation in persons of delicate habit, especially European females.
Jiinslie, 1. 451. Palm oil is chiefly obtained from Elais guineensis, and this
tree is also said to yield the best kind of Palm-wine. The succulent rind of
the Date is one of the most agreeable of fruits. Sago is yielded by the trunk
of nearly all, except Areca Catechu, but especially of Sagus farinifera and
Phoenix farinifera. The well known Betel Nut is the fruit of Areca Catechu,
and remarkable for its narcotic or intoxicating power ; from the same fruit is
prepared a kind of spurious Catechu. Ibid. 1. 65. The Brazilian Indians,
especially the Puris, Patachos, and Botocudos, manufacture their best bows
from the wood of a species of Cocoa Nut, called the Airi, or Brejeuba. Pr.
J\fax. Trav. 238. The Ceroxylon andicola, or Wax Palm of Humboldt, has
its trunk covered by a coating of wax, which exudes from the spaces between
the insertion of the leaves. It is, according to Vauquelin, a concrete inflamma-
ble substance, consisting of l-3d wax and 2-3ds resin. It is a very remarka-
ble fact, first noticed by Mr. Brown (Congo, 456.), that the plants of this or-
der whose fruit affords oil belong to a tribe called by him Cocoinea, which are
particularly characterized by the originally trilocular putamen having its cells
when fertile perforated opposite the seat of the embryo, and when abortive indi-
cated by foramina ceeca. The dark-coloured inodorous and insipid resin,
called Dragon's Blood, is obtained in the eastern islands of the Indian Archi-
pelago by wounding the Calamus Drabo ; it is said to be of finer quality than
that procured from Pterocarpus.
Examples. The following are Von Martius's sections of the tribe. (Pro-
gramma, p. 7.)
1. Sabalin^e. Spathes numerous, incomplete. Ovarium 3-celled. Berry
or Drupe 1-3-seeded. (Chamaedorea, Thrinax.) #
2. Coryphin^. Spathes numerous, incomplete. Pistils 3, cohering in-
wardly, 1 only usually ripening. Berry or Drupe many-seeded. (Rhapis,
Phoenix.)
3. Lepidocarta. Spathes numerous, incomplete. Flowers in catkins.
Ovarium 3-celled. Berry 1-ceeded, with a tesselated rind. (Mauritia,
Calamus.)
4. Borasse^e. Spathes many, incomplete. Flowers in catkins. Ovarium
3-celled. Berry or drupe 3-seeded. (Borassus, Hyphame.)
5. Arecinte. Spatha none, or one or more, complete. Ovarium 3-celled.
Berry 1-ceeded. (Leopoldinia, Areca, Wallichia.)
6. CocoiNiE. Spatha one, or several, complete. Ovarium 3-celled. Drupe
1-3-seeded. (Cocos, Elate, Bactris.)
CCLIII. RESTIACEiE.
Restiaceje, R. Brown Prodr. 243. (1810); Kunth in Humb. N. G. ct Sp. I. 251. (1815);
Agardh Aph. 156. (1823), a sect, of Juncere ; Ach. Rich. Nouv. Kl'tm. ed. 4. 424. (1828) ;
Lindl. Synops. 272. (1829).— Vis STnoLr.p id ek and Eriocaulone>e, Dcsvaux inAnndcs
So. 13. 36. (1828).— Elegies, licauv.in eod. loc. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Hexapetaloideous monocotyledons, with a superior ovarium,
axile placentae, capsular fruit, capitate glumaceous flowers, and an embryo
lying on the albumen at the end most remote from the hilum.
281
Anomalies. Willdenowia has a drupaceous fruit.
Essential Character. — Perianthium inferior, 2-G-parted, seldom wanting'. Stamens defi-
nite 1-6 ; when they are from 2 to 3 in number, and attached to a perianthium of 4 or 6 divi-
sions, they are then opposite the innersegments (pcfa/s) j anthers usually unilocular. Ovarium
1- or more celled, cells monospermous ; ovules pendulous. /'' "it capsular, or nueamentaceous.
{seeds inverted ; albumen of the same figure as the seed ; embryo lenticular, on the outside of the
albumen, at that end of the seed which is most remote from the hiluni. — Herbaceous plants or
undcr-shrubs. Leaves simple, narrow, or none. Culms naked, or more usually protected by
sheaths, which are slit, and have equitant margins. Movers generally aggregate, in spikes or
beads, separated by bractea:, and most frequently diclinous. R. Br. (1S1U).
Affinities. The principal character distinguishing this family from Jun-
cese and Cyperacece consists in its lenticular embryo being placed at the ex-
tremity of the seed opposite to the umbilicus. From Junceoc it also differs in
the order of suppression of its stamina, which, when reduced to 3, are opposite
to the inner latinise of the perianthium ; and most cf its genera are distinguisha-
ble from both these orders, as well as from Commelineee, by then simple or uni-
locular anthers. Brown in Flinders, 579. To this may be added, that its
habit is rather that of Cyperacerc, especially when Xyrideea are excluded.
From all the orders with spadiceous characters, the glumaceous nature of its
perianthium, when it is present, distinguishes it. If the perianthium is absent,
it is then only to be known from Cyperacere by the position of the embryo, and
by the sheaths of its leaves being slit. M. Desvaux separates from the genera
with a perianthium those in which the flowers are actually naked, under the
name of Centrolepideae : he further adopts the supposed order of Eriocauloneae
of the late M. de Beauvois, which seems to differ from Restiaceee simply in
having 1-seeded cells in the capsule, and irregular flowers. The Elegiere of
M. de Beauvois were distinguished by nothing but their 2 or 3 styles. While
I adopt the opinion of all these being parts of the same natural order, I cannot
doubt that the tripetaloid flower and polyspermous fruit of Xyris, characters in-
dicating a far superior degree of evolution, are sufficient to separate that genus
as the representative of a peculiar order ; a measure which Mr. Brown appears
to have anticipated when he remarked (Prodr. 244.), that the genus Xyris,
although placed by him at the end of Restiacea?, is certainly very different from
the other genera, in the inner segments of the perianthium being petaloid, with
the stamens proceeeding from the top of their ungues, and in their numerous
seeds.
Geography. All, with the exception of Eriocaulon, extra European ;
chiefly found in the woods and marshes of South America, and in New Hol-
land and southern Africa.
Properties. None, except the tough wiry stems of some species are
manufactured into baskets and brooms. Wildenowia teres is employed for the
latter purpose, and Restio tectorum for thatching.
Examples. Centrolepis, Restio, Thamnochortus, Tonina, Eriocaulon.
CCLIV. PANDANEiE. The Screwpine Tribe.
Pandaneje, R. Brown Prodr. 340. (1810); Dccand. Propr. Med. 278. (1816); Agarclk Apk.
133. (1822); Gaudichaudin Ann. des Sc.3. 509. (1824).— 1 Cyclantheje, Poiteau in
Mcm.Mus.d.M. (1822.)
Diagnosis. Spadiceous monocotyledons, with naked flowers, and fibrous
drupes collected in parcels into many-celled pericarpia.
46
282
Anomalies. Phytelephas has pinnate leaves ; but it is a doubtful plant of
the order.
Essential Character, — Flowers dioecious or polygamous, arranged on a wholly covered
spadix. Perianthium wanting. Filaments with single anthers ; anthers 2-celled. Ovaria usual-
ly collected in parcels, 1-celled ; stigmas as many as the ovaries, sessile, adnate (ovula solitary,
«rect). Fruit cither fibrous drupes, usually collected in parcels, each 1-seeded ; or many-
celled berries, with polyspermous cells. Albumen fleshy; embryo in its axis, erect; plumula
inconspicuous.— Stem arborescent, usually sending down aerial roots, sometimes weak and de-
cumbent. Leaves imbricated, in three rows, long-, linear-lanceolate, amplexicaul, with their
margins almost always spiny. Floral leaves smaller, often coloured. R. Br.
Affinities, This is a tribe of plants having the aspect of gigantic Bro-
melias, bearing the flowers of a Sparganium ; while there is no analogy with
the former in structure beyond the general appearance of the foliage; the or-
ganization of the fructification bears so near a resemblance to the latter as to
have led to the combination of Pandanea? and Typhacere by botanists of the
first authority. But when we contrast the naked flowers, the compound highly-
developed fruit, the spathaceous bractea?, the entire embryo, and the arbores-
cent habit of the former, with the half-glumaceous flowers, the simple fruit, the
want of spathaceous bractere, the slit embryo, and the herbaceous sedgy habit
of the latter, it is difficult to withhold our assent from the proposition to sepa-
rate them. Mr. Brown justly remarks (Prodr. 341.), that these have no
affinity with Palms beyond their arborescent stems. Freycinetia, the genus to
which the character of polyspermous cells, minute seeds, and a pulpy pericar-
pium belongs, is described by M. Gaudichaud as having a very minute embryo
lodged in the upper part of semitransparent albumen. It is possible that this
is the station of the remarkable plants described by Poiteau as having an inflo-
rescence which may be compared to two folded ribands rolled spirally round a
cylinder ! one full of stamens, the other full of ovules ! ! and called Cyclan-
thes. M. Poiteau has unfortunately omitted to give a sufficient explanation
of the analogy between the structure of these plants and more regular forms
of inflorescence, and his figures do not afford such information as could be
wished for ; but it may be conjectured that his ribands are connate bractea,
subtending, alternately, naked staminiferous and pistilliferous flowers. Panda-
neee are remarkable among aborescent monocotyledons for their constant ten-
dency to branch, which is always effected in a dichotomous manner. Their
leaves have also a uniform spiral arrangement round the axis, so as to give the
stems a sort of corkscrew appearance before the traces of the leaves are worn
away. The Chandelier Tree of Guinea and St. Thomas's derives its name
(Pandanus Candelabrum) from this peculiar tendency to branching.
Geography. Abundant in the Mascaren Islands, especially the Isle of
France, where, under the name of Vaquois, they are found covering the sandy
plains. They have peculiar means given them by nature to subsist in such
situations in the shape of strong aerial roots, which are protruded from the
stem, and descend towards the earth, bearing on their tips a loose cup-like
coating of cellular integument, which preserves their tender newly-formed ab-
sorbents from injury until they reach the soil, in which they quickly bury them-
selves, thus adding at the same time to the number of mouths by which food
can be extracted from the unwilling earth, and acting as stays to prevent the
stems from being blown about by the wind. They are common in the Indian
Archipelago, and in most tropical islands of the Old World, but are rare in
America. From this continent Cyclanthus and Phytelephas are the only ge-
nera of Pandaneae, if they really belong to the order, that have been described.
The former, called Tagua, resembles Palms in its fronds, which equal those
of the Cocoa Nut in dimensions, in its torulose scaly stem, and, finally, in the
remarkable structure and weight of its fruit. Humb. de Dislr. Gtogr. 198.
Properties. The seeds of Pandanus are eatable. The flowers of Pan-
danus odoratissimus are fragrant and eatable. The fruit of several is also an
article of food. The leaves are used for thatching and cordage. The imma-
ture fruit is reputed einmenagogue. Buttons are turned from the hard albu-
men of Phytelephas, or the Tagua plant. Humb. 1. c.
Examples. Pandanus, Freycinetia.
CCLV. TYPHACEiE. The Bulrush Tribe.
Tvphs, Juss. Gen. 25. (1789).— Aroideje, § 3. R. Brown Prodr. 338. (1610).— Ttphjk*,
Agardh Aph. 139. (1823).— Typhace«, Dec. and Duby, 482. (1828) ; Lindl. Synops. 247.
(1829).— TyphoidejE and Spaug ah iojdem, LinkHandb. 1. 132. 133.(1829), both sections of
Cyperaceae.
Diagnosis. Spadiceous triandrous monocotyledons, with 3 half-glumaceous
sepals, clavate anthers, long lax filaments a solitary pendulous ovulum: and
dry fruit.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers diclinous, arranged upon a naked spadix. Sepals 3, or
more. Petals wanting-. Stamens 3 or 6, anthers wedge-shaped, attached by their base to long
filaments. Ovary single, superior, 1-celled ; ovulum solitary, pendulous ; style short ; stigmas
1 or 2, simple, linear. Fruit dry, net opening, 1-celled, 1-seeded. Embryo in the centre of al-
bumen, straight, taper, with a cleft in one side, in which the plumula lies ; radicle next the hi-
lum. — Herbaceous plants, growing in marshes or ditches. Stems without nodi. Leaves rigid,
ensiform, with parallel veins. Spadix without a spathe.
Affinities. Jussieu, following Adanson, distinguishes these from Aroidea?,
with which Mr. Brown re-unites them, retaining them, however, in a separate
section. They are generally regarded as a distinct tribe by most writers, and
are surely sufficiently characterized by their 3-sepaled half-glumaceous calyx,
long lax filaments, clavate anthers, solitary pendulous ovules, and peculiar ha-
bit. They are connected with Aroide* by Acorus, which belongs to the lat-
ter. Agardh refers Typhaceas to glumaceous Monocotyledons, on account of
the analogy between the calyx of Typha and the hypogynous hairs of Erio-
phorum, a genus of Cyperaceae. They are combined with Pandaneae by M.
Kunth, but appear to be sufficiently distinguished by the slit in the side of their
embryo, their simple fruit, pendulous ovulum, trisepalous calyx, and habit.
Geography:. Found commonly in the ditches and marshes of the northern
parts of the world, but uncommon in tropical countries ; a species is found in
St. Domingo, and another in New Holland. Two are described from equinoc-
tial America.
Properties. Of little known vise. The powdered flowers have been used
as an application to ulcers. The pollen- of Typha is inflammable, like that of
Lycopodium, and is used as a substitute for it. M. Decancolle remarks that it
is probable the facility of collecting this pollen is the real cause of its use, and
that any other kind would do as well.
Examples. Typha, Sparganium.
284
CCLVI AROIDEvE The Ahum Tribe
Aroide-k, Juss. Gen. 23. (1789}; R. Brown Rrodr. 333. (1810); Dec. and Duby, 480. (1828);
Ldndl. Synops. 246. (1829).— Acorin*:, Link Ilandb. 1. 144. (1829), a § of Junceae.
Diagnosis. Spacliceous monocotyledons, with simple, succulent, or capsu-
lar fruit, a developed spatha, and sub-senile anthers.
Anomalies. Albumen sometimes absent. In Tacca the ovarium is infe-
rior. Spatha absent or rudimentary in some.
Essential Character. — Flowers diclinous, arranged upon a spadix, frequently naked.
Perianthium, either wanting:, or consisting of 4 or 6 pieces. Stamens definite or indefinite,
hypogynous, very short ; anthers 1- 2- or many-celled, ovate, turned outwards. Ovarium su-
perior, 1-celled, very seldom 3-celled, and many seeded; ovules erect, or pendulous, or parie-
tal ; stigma sessile. Fruit succulent or dry, not opening. Seeds solitary or several ; embryo
in the axis of fleshy or mealy albumen, straight, taper, with a cleft on one side, in which the
plumula lies ; (radicle obtuse, usually next the hilum, occasionally at the opposite extremity. R.
Br.) — Herbaceous plants, frequently with a fleshy corjnus, or shrubs ; stemless or arborescent, or
climbing by means of aerial roots. Leaves sheathing at the base, either with parallel or
branching veins ; sometimes compound ! often cordate." Spadix generally enclosed in a spathe.
Affinities. The Arum tribe may be considered the centre of a system of
organization, of which the other oiders of Spadicere are rays of unequal length.
Taking its diagnosis as given above, we shall have it specially known by its
highly developed spatha ; Typhacea? will be distinguished by their long anthers
and want of spatha, Pandanere by their arborescent habit and drupaceous com-
pound fruit, Fluvialcs and Juncagineffi by their want of spatha and return from
the spadiceous form of inflorescence, and Pistiacero by their reduction to the
simplest state in which flowering plants can exist. The whole of these tribes,
taken together, are known by their general tendency to develope their flowers
upon a spadix, by their want of floral envelopes, or by those parts not assuming
the distinct forms of calyx and corolla, but existing only in the state of herba-
ceous scales. With the exception of Pandanece, they are all also known by
their plumula lying within a cleft of the embryo ; a structure found in no other
monocotyledonous plants, except Grasses, in which the embryo is otherwise
widely different. Mr. Brown has remarked that in Dracontium polyphyllum
and fcetidum, in which there is no albumen, the plumula consists of imbricated
scales, and that it is sometimes double or even triple. In the former of these
plants the external scales, in germination, quickly wither away, when other in-
ternal and larger ones appear, and remain for some time round the base of the
primordial leaf, before the developement of which no rootlets arc emitted. Prodr
334. A similar economy has been noticed by Du Petit Thouars, in his genus
Ouvirandra. In Tacca it is probable that there are several germinating points
upon the embryo, analogous to the double or triple plumula of Dracontium :
hence embryos of such a kind may be said to be tubers found in the seed itself.
Mr. Brown considers a relation to be established between Aroideac and Aristo-
lochice by means of Tacca, in which the ovarium is inferior. Agardh distin-
guishes Acoroidea? from Aroidea; by their capsular fruit.
Geography. Natives of all tropical countries abundantly, but of temperate
climates rarely, not extending in Europe further north than 64° north latitude,
in the form of Calla palustris, which inhabits the deep, muddy, frozen marshes
of southern Lapland. In cold or temperate climates they are usually herba-
ceous, while in tropical countries they are often arborescent and of considerable
size, frequently clinging to trees by means of their aerial roots, which they pro-
trude in abundance. In America, according to Humboldt (Disl. Gtogr. 196),
their principal station is on the submontane region between 1200 and 3600
feet of elevation, where the climate is temperate and the rains abundant. In
285
the Andes, Pothos pedatus and P. quinquenervius rise to the height of 8400
feet.
Properties. A principle of acridity generally pervades this tribe, and ex-
ists in so high a degree in some of them as to render them dangerous poisons.
The most remarkable is the Dumb Cane, or Caladium Seguinum, a native of
the West Indies and South America, growing to the height of a man : this
plant has the power, when chewed, of swelling the tongue and destroying the
power of speech. Dr. Hooker relates an account of a gardener, who " incau-
tiously bit a piece of the Dumb Cane, when his tongue swelled to such a de-
gree that he could not move it ; he became utterly incapable of speaking, and
was confined to the house for some days in the most excruciating torments."
Exot. Bot. 1. The same excellent botanist adds, that it is said to impart an
indelible stain to linen. P. Browne states that its stalk is employed to bring
sugar to a good grain when it is too viscid, and cannot be made to granulate
properly by the application of lime alone ; Arum ovatum is used for the same
purpose. The leaves of Arum esculentum excite violent salivation and a
burning sensation in the fauces, as I have myself experienced. The fresh
leaves of Dracontium pertusum are employed by the Indians of Demerara as
vesicatories or rubefiants in cases of dropsy. Milk in which the acrid root
of Arum triphjdlum has been boiled has been known to cure consumption.
Dec. Notwithstanding this acridity, the flat under-ground stems, called roots,
and the leaves of many Aroidere, are harmless, and even nutritive when roasted
or boiled, as, for instance, the roots of Arum esculentum, Colocasia, mucrona-
tum, violaceum, and others, which under the names of Cocoa root, Eddoes,
and Yams, are common articles of food in hot countries. The roots (cormi)
of the Arum maculatum are commonly eaten by the country people in the Isle
of Portland : they are macerated, steeped, and the powder obtained from them
is sent to London for sale under the name of Portland Sago. Enc. of PI.
800. Medicinally, the root in its recent state is stimulant, diaphoretic, and ex-
pectorant. The root and seeds of the Skunk Cabbage, Symplocarpus foetida,
are powerful antispasmodics ; they are are also expectorants, and useful in
phthisical coughs. They have considerable reputation in North America as
palliatives in paroxysms of asthma. Barton. 1. 130. The prepared root of
Dracontium polyphyllum is supposed in India to possess antispasmodic virtues,
and is considered a valuable remedy in asthma ; it is also used in hemorrhoids.
Jlinslie, 2. 50. The root of the Labaria plant of Demerara, which is proba-
bly the same thing, is thought by the Indians to be an antidote to the bite of
serpents. Ed. N. Ph. Journ., June 1830, p. 169. The root of Acorus cala-
mus is aromatic and stimulant. The seeds of Orontium aquaticum and Arum
sagittifolium are acrid, but become eatable by roasting. The spadixes of some
species have a fetid putrid smell; others, such as Arum cordifolium, Italicum,
and maculatum, are said to disengage a sensible quantity of heat at the time
when they are about to expand. Agardh considers that the acrid principle,
which, notwithstanding its fugacity, has been lately obtained pure, is no doubt
of great power as a stimulant. Aph. 133.
The following are the principal natural divisions of this order :
I. Flowers diclinous. Perianthium wanting.
Aroideoe verae, Broivn Prodr. 335. (1810.)
Examples. Arum, Caladium.
II. Flowers monoclinous. Perianthium present.
Orontiacese, Brown Prodr. 337. (1810). — Acoroidea;, Agardh Jlph. 133.
(1822.)
Examples. Dracontium, Pothos, Gymnostachys, Acorus,
286
CCLVII. BALANOPHORE^
Balanophoreje, Rick, in Mem. Mus.S. 429. (1822).— Cynomorieje, Agarclh. Apt). 203. (1825),
a § of Urticese.
Diagnosis. Spadiceous monocotyledons, with an inferior ovarium and mo-
ncecious flowers.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoecious, collected in dense heads, which are round-
ish or oblong-, usually bearing' both staminiferous aud pistilliferous flowers, but occasionally
having' the stamens and pistils distinct ; the receptacle covered with scales or seta? variable in
form, here and there bearing- also peltate thick scales; rarely naked. Staminiferous JUrwers
pedicellate ; calyx deeply 3-parted, equal, spreading-, with somewhat concave segments ; in
Cynomorium there is a thick, truncate, obconical scale in room of a calyx. Stamens 1-3 (sel-
dom more), epigynous, with both united filaments and anthers; the latter 3; in Cynomorium
1 only, connate, 2-celled ; each cell being divided into 2 cavities, sometimes turned inwards,
sometimes outwards, opening by a longitudinal slit. Pistil I iferovs fioirers : Ovarium inferior,
1-celled, 1 -seeded, crowned by the limb of the calyx, which is either marginal and nearly in-
verted, or consisting of from 2 to 4 unequal leaflets ; ovulum pendulous. Style 1, seldom 2,
filiform, tapering ; stigma simple, terminal, rather convex. Fruit a roundish caryopsis,
crowned by the remains of the limb of the calyx. Pericarpium rather thick ; albumen glo-
bose, fleshy-cellular, whitish, very large. Embryo very minute in proportion to the albumen,
roundish, whitish, enclosed in a superficial excavation, undivided. — Fungus-like plants, para-
sitical upon roots; roots fleshy, horizontal, branched ; stem naked, or covered by imbricated
scales. Rich.
Affinities. This highly curious order has the same relation to Monoco-
tyledons as Cytinae to Dicotyledons. The late M. Richard is the only botanist
who has written specially upon it, and to him we owe an excellent Monograph,
He observes that the nearest affinity with the order is with Hydrocharideae,
while at the same time it must be admitted that its relation is by no means in-
timate. The habit of the two orders is very different, and the structure of
the floral organs is essentially unlike. In Hydrocharideae, the ovarium has
generally several cells, and each cell contains many seeds, while in Balano-
phoreae the ovarium is constantly 1-celled with a single ovulum. The former
have no albumen ; in the latter it is abundant. The tribe of Arums, in its
habit and characters, has in general a more essential affinity with Balanopho-
reee than Hydrocharideae ; they have both the same arrangement of flowers in
spikes, the seeds have in both a fleshy albumen, and the habit of their several
genera is much the same. But in Aroideae the ovarium is superior ! He then
points out the affinity borne toCytinus; an affinity about which nothing cer-
tain can be said, in the absence of a knowledge of the structure of the seed
of the latter. Agardh places these in Urticeee, changing the name to Cyno-
morieae.
Geography. A small tribe, consisting entirely of leafless plants, parasiti-
cal upon roots, found in the West Indies, South America, some of the South
Sea Islands, the Mediterranean, and the Cape of Good Hope.
Properties. Cynomorium is known for its astringenc}^. Nothing has been
stated of the rest.
Examples. Langsdorffia, Helosis, Cynomorium, Balanophora, Sarco-
phyte or Ichthyosma.
287
CCLVIII. FLUVIALES.
Naiades, Juss. Gen. 18. (1789) in part.— Fluviai.es, Vent. Tabl. 2. 80. (1799).— Potamo-
philje, Rich. Anal. Fr. (1808).— Potame.k, Juss. Diet. Sc. Nat. 43. 93. J1826); Dec. and
Duby, 439. (1828).— Naide*, Agardh Aph. 125. (1822).— Fluviales, Rick. Mem. Mus.
1. 364. (1815) ; Lindl. Synops.24Q. (1829).— Hydrogetones, Link Handb. 1. 282.(1829.)—
Naide^e, lb. 1. 820. (1829.)
Diagnosis. Caulescent floating exalbuminous monocotyledons, with a slit
embryo, definite stamens, and dry superior fruit with pendulous seeds.
Anomalies. Caulinia and some others are said to have no spiral vessels.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoclinous or diclinous, Periantkium of 2 or 4 pieces,
often deciduous, rarely wanting-. Stamens definite, hypogynous. Ovarium I or more, supe-
rior ; stigma simple ; ovule solitary, pendulous. Fruit dry, not opening-, 1-celled, 1-seeded.
iSeed pendulous ; albumen none ; emoryo antitropous, with a lateral cleft for the emission of
the plumula. — Water-plants. Leaves very cellular, with parallel veins. Flowers inconspicuous,
usually arranged in terminal spikes.
Affinities. In this order we have the nearest approach, except in Pistia-
ceae, to the division of flowerless plants. The perianthium is reduced to a few
imperfect scales, the habit is almost that of Conifers, and there is, in some of
the genera either a total absence of spiral vessels, or that form of tissue exists
in a very rudimentary state. Pollini asserts, according to Decandolle (Org.
Veg. 40), that spiral vessels do exist in them ; but Amici, on the other hand,
maintains that there is no trace of them, at least in Caulinia. Ann. des Sc. 2.
42. The manifest affinity of Fluviales to Juncagineas determines a relation on
the part of the former to Aroidese, which is confirmed by the tendency to pro-
duce a rudimentary spatha in some of them, and by their undoubted resem-
blance to Pistiaceas, which may be understood as reduced Aroideee. It is re-
markable that Adanson was aware of this relationship between Aroideae and
Fluviales, to which, however, Jussieu, whose Naiades are a very heterogene-
ous assemblage, did not assent. They are generally translucent cellular plants,
destitute of stomata, having no epidermoidal layer, and perishing rapidly upon
exposure to air. M. Amici has seen the sap circulate in the transparent joints
of Caulinia fragilis, which he states is the unknown plant upon which Corti
made observations relating to the same subject. See Amici in Ann. des Sc. 2.
42. Agardh refers to this order both Ceratophyllum and Sparganium.
Geography. Common in extra-tropical countries, but also found near the
equator. Potamogetons are in every ditch and swamp as far north as Iceland.
Properties. Very unimportant. The root of Potamogeton natans is said
to be eaten in Siberia, and that of Aponogeton distachyum by Hottentots.
Zostera, or Sea wrack, is a common material for packing, and for stuffing cot-
tagers' cushions.
Examples. Naias, Zostera, Caulinia, Cymodocea, Thalassia, Ruppia,
Zannichellia, Potamogeton.
CCLIX. JUNCAGINE^E.
Juncagineji, Rick. Anal. Fr. (1808) ; Mem. Mus. 1. 364. (1815) ; Lindl. Synops. 252. (1829) ;
Dec. and Duby, 438. (1828). a sect, of Alismaceae.
Diagnosis. Caulescent exalbuminous monocotyledons, with a slit embryo,
6 stamens, and dry superior fruit with erect seeds.
288
Anomalies. Lilsea has no perianthium.
Essential Character — Sepals and petals both herbaceous, rarely absent. Stamens 6.
Ovaries 3 or 6, superior, cohering firmly ; ovules 1 or 2, approximated at their base, erect.
Fruit dry, 1- or 2-seeded. Seeds erect ; albumen wanting- ; embryo having- the same direc-
tion as the seed, with a lateral cleft for the emission of the plumule.— Herbaceous bog-plants.
Leaves ensiform, with parallel veins. Mowers in spikes or racemes, inconspicuous.
Affinities. The plumula lying within a cleft on one side of the embryo
fixes these plants nearer Aroidece than Alismaceae, to which they are sometimes
referred, principally on account of their want of albumen ; and the depaupe-
rated state of their floral envelopes confirms the relationship. Juncaginerc are
most nearly allied to Fluviales, which are readily distinguished by their float-
ing habit and pendulous ovules. The genus Scheuchzeria is a transition from
Juncaginese to Junceee.
Geography. Marshy places in most parts of the world may be expected
to indicate traces of this order, which is found in Europe, Asia, and North
America, the Cape of Good Hope, and equinoctial America.
Properties. Unknown. Triglochin has a salt taste.
Examples. Lila^a, Cathanthes, Triglochin, Scheuchzeria.
CCLX. PISTIACE^E. The Duckweed Tribe.
Pistiaceje, Rich, in Humb. ct Bonpl. N. G. et Sp. 1. 81. (1815)": Lindl. in Hooker's Fl. Scot.
2. 191.(1821); Synops. 251. (1829).— Lemnaceje, Dec. and Duby, 532. (1828.)
Diagnosis. Floating monocotyledons, with solitary naked spathaceous
flowers, and the stem and leaves confounded.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Flowers' 2, naked, enclosed in a spatha. Stamens definite.
Ovarium 1-celled, with 1 or more erect ovules • style short ; stigma simple. Fruit mem-
branous or capsular, not opening, 1- or more seeded. Seeds with a fungous testa, and a
thickened indurated foramen; embryo either in the axis of fleshy albumen, and having a late-
ral cleft for the emission of the plumule, or at the apex of the nucleus.— Floating plants, with
very cellular, lenticular, or lobed stems and leaves confounded. Flowers appearing from the
margin of the stems.
Affinities. These are plants of a still simpler organization than Fluviales,
like them apparently destitute of spiral vessels, and not producing any separate
stem or leaves, but a body formed out of both, from within the substance of
which proceeds a membranous spathe containing one naked staminiferous and
one naked pistilliferous flower ; a stem and two flowers thus constituting
the whole of the plant. But if an abstraction be made of the simplicity of this
structure, and the organization be considered as if it belonged to plants of a
more highly developed character, it will be found that these are really nothing
but Aroidea, the spadix of which is reduced to two flowers of different sexes.
But while the accuracy of this view of the nature of Pistiacere is not likely to
be questioned, it must be borne in mind that this very reduction of parts is in-
consistent with the notion of Aroidea), properly so called ; and hence the neces-
sity of constituting a particular order. I find from an examination of seeds of
Pistia, most kindly procured from India for me by Dr. Wallich, that the em-
bryo is a minute body lying at the apex of the albumen ; in Lemna it occupies
the axis ; in both there is a fungous testa, with a remarkable induration of the
foramen of the secundine. The embryo of Pistia is very minute, and perhaps
289
solid , but in Lemna there is the slit on one side for the emission of the plumula,
just as in Aroideae. In Dr. Hooker's Botanical JVLiscellany, part 2, is an ac-
count of the germination of Lemna, by Mr. Wilson of Warrington, which is
worth consulting. Agardh refers Lemna to Urticere, and places Nepenthes
here.
Geography. Lemna inhabits the ditches of the cooler parts of the world ;
Pistia the tropics.
Properties. Pistia Stratiotes grows in water-tanks in Jamaica, where,
according to P. Browne, it is acrid, and in hot dry weather impregnates the
water with its particles to such a degree as to give rise to the bloody flux.
Hist, of Jam, 330. A decoction of the same plant is considered by the Hindoo-
stanees as cooling and demulcent, and they prescribe it in cases of dysuria. The
leaves are also made into a poultice for the piles. Mnslie.
Examples Pistia, Lemna.
47
290
Tribe II. GLUMACEiE.
These are distinctly characterized by the want of a true perianthium, in the
room of which the floral envelopes are formed by imbricated bracteae. The pa-
les of Grasses approach the nature of a calyx ; but as they do not originate
from the same plane, they cannot, practically, be confounded with a calyx,
however near such an organ they may, upon theoretical principles, be con-
sidered to approach. The same may be said of the hypogynous setae of Cype-
racea?, which, although probably of the nature of a perianthium, exist in so ru-
dimentary a state as not to form a real exception to the character of Glumaceae
Restiaceaa and Palms connect Petaloideous Monocotyledons with Glumacese ;
the former by approaching Cyperacere, the latter Grasses.
LIST OF THE ORDERS
261. Grarmneee. 262. Cyperaceee
CCLXI GRAMINEiE The Grass Tribe
Gbamina, Jiuss. Gen. 28. (1789).— GraminejE, R. Brown Prodr. 168. (1810) ; Palisotde Beauv.
Agrostog. (1812) ; Kunth in Mem. Mus. 2. 62. (1815) ; Id. in N. G. et Sp. Humb. et Bonpl.
1. 84. (1815) ; Turpin in Mem. Mus. 5. 426. (1819) ; Trinius Fundam. Agrostol. (1820) ;
Agardh Aphor. 143. (1823); Kunth Synops. 1. 163. (1823) ; Dumortier Agrost. Belg.
(1823) ; Trinius Diss, de Gram. Unifl. et Sesquif. (1824) ; De la Harpe in Ann. Sc. 5. 335.
6. 21. (1825) ; Raspail in Ann. des Sc. 4. 271. 422. 5. 287. 433. 6. 224. 384. (1825), 7. 335.
(1826); Link Hnrtus Botanicus,l. (1827); Lindl. Synops. 293.(1829); A'ees v. Esenbeck
Agrostog. Brasil. (1S29.)
Diagnosis. Glumaceous monocotyledons, with cylindrical stems, slit leaf-
sheaths, and a lenticular embryo lying on the outside of the albumen, with a
naked plumula.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Flowers usually monoclinous, sometimes moncecious or polyga
rnous ; consisting- of imbricated bracteae, of which the most exterior are called glumes, the in-
terior immediately enclosing the stamens paleec, and the innermost at the base of the ovarium
scales. Glumes usually 2, alternate; sometimes single, most commonly unequal. Palece 2,
;ilternate ; the lower or exterior simple, the upper or interior composed of 2 united by their con-
tiguous margins, and usually with 2 keels, together forming a kind of dislocated calyx. Scales
2 or 3, sometimes wanting ; if 2, collateral, alternate with the palere, and next the lower of them ;
either distinct or united. Stamens hypogynous, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, or more, 1 of which alternates
with the 2 hypogynous scales, and is therefore next the lower pa)ea;a?)</jers versatile. Ovarium
simple ; styles 2, very rarely 1 or 3 ; stigmas feathery or hairy. Pcricarpium usually undistin-
guishalile from the seed, membranous. Albumen farinaceous; embryo lying on one side of the
albumen, at the base, lenticular, with a broad cotyledon and a developed plumula; and occa-
sionally, but very rarely, with a second cotyledon on the outside of the plumula, and alternate
with the usual cotyledon. —Rhixoma fibrous or bulbous. Culms cylindrical, fistular, closed at
the joints, covered with a coat of silex. Leaves alternate, with a split sheath. Flowers in lit-
tle spikes called locustw, arranged in a spiked, racemed, or paniclcd manner.
Affinities. This family is one which offers more singularities in its organi-
zation than any other among flowering plants, and is perhaps that of which the
organization is to this <l,»y least understood, although it is among the most com-
291
mon anil the rnosl i ample tely know n, and 1^ one in which, formerly, botanists the
least suspected anomalies of organization to exist. They found calyx and corolla
and nectaries here with the same facility as they found them in a Ranunculus ;
and yet it may be doubted whether such organs exist in any one genus of
Grasses.
Before I advert to the affinities of this tribe, it is indispensable that the real
nature of this organization should be understood. I shall, therefore, without
occupying myself with the views of Linmeus and his school, first cite Mr. Ro-
bert Brown's account of their structure, and then proceed to offer some observa-
tions upon the views that other botanists have taken of the subject.
Mr. Brown's statement is this :
" The natural or most common structure of Gramineae is to have their sexual
organs surrounded by two floral envelopes, each of which usually consists of
two distinct valves ; but both of these envelopes are, in many genera of the ol-
der, subject to various degrees of imperfection or even suppression of their parts.
The outer envelope, or gluma of Jussieu,in mostcases containing several flowers
with distinct and often distant insertions on a common receptacle, can only be
■considered as analogous to the bractese or involucrum of other plants. The
tendency to suppression in this envelope appears to be greater in the exterior or
lower valve ; so that a glurna consisting of one valve may, in all cases, be
considered as deprived of its outer or inferior valve. In certain genera with a
simple spike, as Lolium and Lepturus, this is clearly proved by the structure
of the terminal flower or spicula, which retains the natural number of parts ;
and in other genera not admitting of this direct proof, the fact is established by
a seriesof species showing its gradual obliteration, asin those species of Panicum
which connect that genus with Paspalum. On the other hand, in the inner
envelope, or calyx of Jussieu, obliteration first takes place in the inner or upper
valve; but this valve having, instead of one central nerve, two nerves equidistant
from its axis, I consider it as composed of two confluent valves, analogous to what
takes place in the calyx and corolla of many irregular flowers of other classes ;
and this confluence may be regarded as the first step towards its obliteration,
which is complete in many species of Panicum, in Andropogon, Pappophorum,
Alopecurus, Trichodium, and several other genera. With respect to the na-
ture of this inner or proper envelope of Grasses, it may be observed, that the
view of its structure now given, in reducing its parts to the usual ternary divi-
sion of Monocotyledones, affords an additional argument for considering it as
the real perianthium. This argument, however, is not conclusive, for a similar
confluence takes place between the two inner lateral bractese of the greater
part of Irideae ; and with these, in the relative insertion of its valves, the proper
envelope of Grasses may be supposed much better to accord than with a ge-
nuine perianthium. If, therefore, this inner envelope of Grasses be regarded as
consisting merely of bracteae, the real perianthium of the order must be looked
for in those minute scales, which, in the greater part of its genera are found im-
mediately surrounding the sexual organs. These scales are, in most cases,
only two in number, and placed collaterally within the inferior valve of the pro-
per envelope. In their real insertion, however, they alternate with* the valves
of this envelope, as is obviously the case in Ehrharta and certain other genera ;
and their collateral approximation maybe considered as a tendency to that
confluence which uniformly exists in the parts composing the upper valve of
the proper envelope, and which takes place also between these two squama?
themselves, in some genera, as Glyceria and Melica. In certain other genera,
as Bambusa and Stipa, a third squamula exists, which is placed opposite to
the axis of the upper valve of the proper envelope, or, to speak in conformity
with the view already taken of the structure of this valve, opposite to the junc-
tion of its two component parts, With these squamae the stamina in triandrous
292
Grasses alternate, and they are consequently opposite to the parts of the proper
envelope ; that is, one stamen is opposed to the axis of its lower or outer valve,
and the two others are placed opposite to the two nerves of the upper valve.
Hence, if the inner envelope be considered as consisting of bractea?, and the hy-
pogynous squamae as forming the perianthium, it. seems to follow, from the re-
lation these parts have to the axis of inflorescence, that the outer series of this
perianthium is wanting, while its corresponding stamina exist, and that the
whole or part of the inner series is produced while its corresponding stamina
are generally wanting. This may, no doubt, actually be the case ; but as it
would be, at least, contrary to every analogy in Monocotyledonous plants, it
becomes in a certain degree probable that the inner or proper envelope of
Grasses, the calyx of Jussieu, notwithstanding the obliquity in the insertion of
its valves, forms in reality the outer series of the true perianthium, whose inner
series consists of the minute scales, never more than three in number, and in
which an irregularity in some degree analogous to that of the outer series gene-
rally exists. It is necessary to be aware of the tendency to suppression exist-
ing, as it were, in opposite directions in the two floral envelopes of Grasses, to
comprehend the real structure of many irregular genera of the order, and also
to understand the limits of the two great tribes into which I have proposed to
subdivide it. One of these tribes, which may be called Panicea^, comprehends
Ischsemum, Holcus, Andropogon, Anthistiria, Saccharum, Cenchrus, Isachne,
Panicum, Paspalum, Reimaria, Anthenantia, Monachne, Lappago, and several
other nearly related genera ; and its essential character consists in having al-
ways a locusta of two flowers, of which the lower or outer is uniformly imper-
fect, being either staminiferous or neuter, and then not unfrequently reduced to
a single valve. Ischaemum and Isachne are examples of this tribe in its most
perfect form, from which Anthenantia, Paspalum, and Reimaria, most remark-
ably deviate, in consequence of the suppression of certain parts : thus Anthe-
nantia (which is not correctly described by Palisot de Beauvois) differs from
those species of Panicum that have the lower flower neuter and bivalvular, in
being deprived of the outer valve of its gluma ; Paspalum differs from Anthe-
nantia in the want of the inner valve of its neuter flower, and from those species
of Panicum whose outer flower is univalvular, in the want of the outer valve of
its gluma ; and Reimaria differs from Paspalum in being entirely deprived of
its gluma. That this is the real structure of these genera may be proved by
a series of species connecting them with each other, and Panicum with Paspa-
lum. The second tribe, which may be called Poaceae, is more numerous than
Paniceae, and comprehends the greater part of the European genera, as well as
certain less extensive genera peculiar to the equinoctial countries ; it extends
also to the highest latitudes in which Phaenogamous plants have been found ;
but its maximum appears to be in the temperate climates, considerably beyond
the tropics. The locusta in this tribe may consist of 1,2, or of many "flowers ■
and the 2-flowered genera are distinguished from Paniceae by the outer or
lower flower being always perfect, the tendency to imperfection in the locusta
existing in opposite directions in the two tribes. In conformity with this ten-
dency in Poaceae, the outer valve of the perianthium in the single-flowered ge-
nera is placed within that of the gluma, and in the many-flowered locusta the
upper flowers are frequently imperfect. There are, however, some exceptions
to this order of suppression, especially in Arundo Phragmites, Campulosus, and
some other genera, in which the outer flower is also imperfect ; but as all of
these have more than two flowers in their locusta, they are still readily distin-
guished from Paniceae." Brown in Flinders, 580.
According to this view, in a locusta of several florets, the scales at its base,
or glumes, are bracteae, and each floret consists of a calyx formed of one sepal
remote from the rachis, and two cohering by their margins and next the rachis ;
»g
the little hypogynous scales are the rudiments of two pe\ah, and the stamens
alternate with these in the normal manner. This may be rendered more clear
by the following diagram,
in which the triangle ABB represents the outer series, or palese, or calyx, A
being the inferior valve, and B B the superior, formed of two sepals united by
their contiguous margins at x. If the triangle C D D be understood to repre-
sent the next series, the position of the parts will be at the three angles : and
in reality the two scales that are usually developed do occupy the places D D ;
while the third, whenever it is superadded, is stationed at C. The triangle
E E F indicates by its angles the normal position of the first series of stamens,
which are actually so situated, the stamen F which is opposite the sepal A al-
ternating with the rudimentary petals D D.
The principal objection to this is, that the parts of the supposed calyx or
paleee are not inserted upon the same plane, or truly verticillate, and conse
quently do not answer exactly to what is required in a floral envelope ; and it
is on this account that M. Turpin rejects Mr. Brown's opinion, giving the paleae
the name of spathelle, and considering them bractea: of a second order. But
after all, this is a question of words rather than of facts ; for what are sepals
but bractea? of a second order ? and what difficulty is there in identifying brac-
teee having the near approach to a verticillate state, and the perfect symmetry
of position that those of Grasses possess, with a kind of dislocated calyx 1
I know, however, from a conversation with my friend M. Kunth, that he en-
tertains a different view of the nature of the floral envelopes, considering the hy-
pogynous scales to be analogous to the ligula, and the normal state of Grasses
to be hexandrous ; but as I unfortunately cannot discover the place in which
he has explained this theory more fully, I refrain from dwelling upon it*
M. Raspail, in a memoir upon the structure of Graminea?, hazards a strange
theory that the midrib of the bracteae of Grasses is an axis of developement in
cohesion with the bractea>, and that when it separates, as in Phleum, Bromus,
or Corynephorus, it is attempting to revert to the functions of ulterior develope-
ment, for which it is more especially destined. Among other things he states
{Ann. des Sc. 4. 276. E.) that he should not be surprised one clay to find some
Grass in which the midrib of the lower palea actually became a new axis
bearing other florets. I mention this for the sake of remarking that such a
case is known, without however admitting that it is any confirmation of M
Raspail's views, which are at direct variance with the laws of vegetable de-
velopement, for reasons which are so obvious, as to render it altogether unne-
* Revision des Graminees publiees dans le Nora genera et species plantarvm de M M. Hum-
boldt et Bonpland, preeedee d'un travail general sur la famille des Graminees: par C S
Kunth, 100 col pits, fol., Paris, 1829, no, 1—7.
294
cessary to give them here. I have a monstrous Wheat, specimens of which I
communicated in 1830 To MT Kunth and others, in which the midrib of the
lower palea actually becomes saccate towards the apex, bearing an imperfect
floret, with stamens, ovarium, and hypogynous scales, in its cavity. What
we know of the tendency to special developement of buds in the margins of
leaves, and, from Ferns and the observations of M. Turpin, in the whole sub-
stance of certain monocotyledonous leaves, there is nothing in this fact to ex-
cite surprise or to give rise to new theories ; but it is worth mentioning as the
only instance upon record of a flower-bud with stamens and pistils being deve-
loped under such circumstances.
The embryo is here described in conformity with the views that are most
commonly taken of its nature ; that is to say, it is considered to consist of a di-
lated lenticular cotyledon applied to the albumen on one side, and bearing a
naked plumula on the other side, next the testa. It is proper, however, to re-
mark, that the opinion of the late M. Richard, that the part commonly called
cotyledon is a peculiar process, and that the plumula is a body contained within
the apparent plumula, has been lately adopted by Professor Nees v. Esenbeck,
in his Agroslologia Brasiliensis, but with some difference. Richard considered
the cotyledon to be a part of the radicle, to which he gave the name of macro-
podal, in consequence of its great supposed enlargement in Grasses and some
other families ; Nees v. Esenbeck, on the contrary, seems to entertain the
opinion that this cotyledon is a special organ, for which he retains Richard's
name of hypoblastus, although he does not adopt the view that botanist took
of its nature. But I think if we consider the improbability of any special or-
gan being provided for Grasses, which is not found elsewhere, and if we consi-
der how nearly alike are the embryos of Grasses and certain Aroidea?, in which
the plumula lies within a cleft of the cotyledon, it is impossible to doubt the
identity of the hypoblastus of Richard and Nees v. Esenbeck, and the cotyle-
dons of other Monocotyledons. Indeed, the latter himself appears, in one place,
to hesitate about the accuracy of distinguishing them, when he says (p. 9),
" Turn vero hypoblastus pars qucedam habenda est cotyledoni analoga, magis-
que ad interiora seminis quam ad externam corculi evolntionem spectans."
The structure of the stem of Grasses is so much at variance, apparently,
with that of other Endogenous plants, as to have led Professor Agardh to remark,
that it is the least monocotyledonous of all Monocotyledonous plants. It is
probable, however, that its peculiarity does not depend so much upon any specific
deviation from the ordinary laws of growth in Endogenee,as upon a separation of
the parts at an early period of their growth. The stem of a Grass, it must be
remembered, exists in two different states, — that of the rhizoma, and of the
culm: the rhizoma, which is the true trunk; and the culm, which maybe
considered ramifications of it. The rhizoma grows slowly,, and differs in no
respect from the stem of other Monocotyledon.-, as i.< e\ ident in that of the Bam
boo. The culm, on the contrary, which grows with great rapidity', is fistular,
with a compact impervious diaphragm at each articulation ; a fact which must
be familiar to every one who has examined a^straw or the joint of a Bamboo
In the beginning, when this culm was first developed, it was a solid body like
the rhizoma, only infinitely smaller ; but in consequence of the great rapidity of
its developement, the. cellular tissue forms more slowly than the woody vascu-
lar bundles which it connects, and in consequence a separation takes place
between the latter and the former, except at the articulations, where, by
the action of the leaves and their axillary buds, is formed a plexus of vessels,
which grows as rapidly as the culm distends, and therefore never separates in
the centre. Something analogous to this occurs in the flowering stem of the
common Onion among Monocotyledons, and in Umbclliferce among Dicotyle-
dons
395
The strict relation that exists between Palms and Grasses has been already
adverted to in speaking of the former order : hence Nees considers Grasses to
be a sort of Palms of a lower grade. In reality, the habit of the Calamus and
Bambusa genera is nearly alike ; the inflorescence of Grasses may be consi-
dered to be the same as that of Palms, the floral envelopes of the latter taken
away, and only their bracteae remaining ; and, finally, their leaves are formed
upon exactly the same plan, with this difference only, that those of Grasses
are undivided. With Cyperacea;, however, it is that Grasses are most properly
to be compared : while a manifest tendency, at least to the degree of verticilla-
tion requisite to constitute a calyx, evidently takes place in the paleae of
Grasses, Cypcracea: are destitute of all trace of such a tendency, unless the
opposite connate glumes of the pistilliferous flowers of Carex, or the hypogynous
scales of certain Schasnus' and others, be considered an approach to the produc-
tion of a perianthium. For this reason, Grasses are to be considered plants in
a higher state of evolution than Cyperaceae. Independently of this difference,
the orders are readily known by the stems of Grasses being round, those of
Cyperaceae angular ; the leaves of Grasses having a ligula at the apex of their
sheath, which is split, while the sheath of Cyperaceae is not split, and is desti-
tute of this ligula ; and, finally, the embryo of the two is at variance both in
structure and position. With Asphodeleae their relationship consists in nothing
more than the tendency to branch which is observable in part of that order.
Geography. As nothing can be uninteresting which is connected with the
habits of a tribe of such vast importance to man, I extract the following account
of the geographical distribution of Grasses by Schouw, from Professor Jame-
sons PhilosopliicalJournal for April 1825 :
" The family is very numerous : Persoon's Synopsis contains 812 species,
l-26th part of all the plants therein enumerated. In the system of Roemer
and Schultes there are 1800 ; and, since this work, were it brought to a con-
clusion, would probably contain 40,000 in all, it may be assumed that the
Grasses form a 22d part. It is more than probable, however, that in future the
Grasses will increase in a larger ratio than the other phanerogamic plants, and
that perhaps the just proportion will be as 1 to 20, or as 1 to 16. Greater still
will be their proportion to vegetation in general, when the number of individuals
is taken into account ; for, in this respect, the greater number, nay, perhaps
the whole, of the other classes are inferior.
" With regard to locality in such a large family, very little can be advanced.
Among the Grasses there are both land and water, but no marine, plants. They
occur in every soil, in society with others, and alone ; the last to such a degree
as entirely to occupy considerable districts. Sand appears to be less favoura-
ble to this class ; but even this has species nearly peculiar to itself.
" The diffusion of this family has almost no other limits than those of the
whole vegetable kingdom. Grasses occur under the equator ; and Agrostis algida
was one of the few plants which Phipps met with on Spitzbergen. On the
mountains of the South of Europe, Poa disticha and other Grasses ascend al-
most to the snow-line ; and, on the Andes, this is also the case with Poa malu-
lensis and dactyloides, Deyeuxia rigida and Festuca dasyantha.
" The distribution is of greater importance. As to the chief groups and spe-
cies, their distribution will not attain a real interest until we shall be in posses-
sion of a perfect natural classification ; for in this respect we are still, in my
opinion, far behind. The division of Beauvois appears to me too artificial, and
in that of Brown the groups Paniceae and Poaceae are too large. The best,
perhaps, is that of Kunth, according to which the Grasses are arranged under
ten groups. In respect to latitude, the relation of the Grasses, in the system
of Roemer and Schultes, in the hot and temperate zone, is the following :
GRASSES.
296
No. of Species.
Proportion of the Species to
the whole of the Grasses.
Tor. Zone.
Panicese - -
Stipacese - -
Agrostideee -
Bromeas - - -
Chlorideae - -
Hordeaceas -
Saccharineae
Oryzese - - -
Olyreae - - -
Bambusaceee
303
40
58
133
78
33
120
10
18
6
Temp. Zone. Tor. Zone
103
58
220
554
30
101
65
9
4
3
23
1
32
•I
1
T3"1?
Temp. Zone.
2ff
i
I
S
i
T53
1
355
1
"Hence it follows that not one of these groups belongs exclusively to eithei
the one or the other zone, but that, on account of the proportionally greater num-
ber, the Panicese, Chlorideae, Saccharinse, Oryzeae, Olyreas, and Bambusaceee, may
be regarded as tropical, and Agrostideae, Bromeas, and Hordeaceae, as extra-tro-
pical forms ; and that there is, consequently, a considerable contrast between
the former of these two zones. On the contrary, the difference between the
various continents and degrees of longitude is inconsiderable. Neither in the
torrid nor temperate zones has any group in the continent a perceptible prepon-
derance over another. The result also appears to be the same, on comparing
the two hemispheres : we know, however, too little of the southern to state
this precisely. In respect of elevation, the distribution, according to the degrees
of latitude, is very similar ; for, in the mountains of South America, the pro-
portions of the larger groups are :
0-200
Toises.
200-1100
Toises.
1100-1600
Toises.
Above 1600
Toises.
Paniceae
39
33
12
1
Agrostideee ....
6
10
23
2
Bromeae
7
7
37
8
Saccharinae ....
16
20
20
2
" Between the genera the contrast is naturally greater, and manifests itself
not only according to latitude, but also longitude. Thus, in the torrid zone, the
genus Paspalus has a decided preponderance in the New World. Moat of the
genera, however, especially the larger, for example, Panicum, Andropogon,
297
Chloiis, are every where nearly equal, those that are peculiar being generally
not at all numerous. The generic difference between North America and the
temperate regions of the European continent is very small. In North America,
however, a greater number of tropical forms appears. Between the two tem-
perate zones also the distinction seems to be by no means considerable. Of 36
genera from the Cape, 30 occur in the temperate zone of the northern hemi-
sphere, while, in other families, southern Africa has many peculiar to itself. In
the extra-tropical part of New Holland the greater number of genera is found
also in the north (about 2-3ds) ; and this appears to be still more the case in
the southern parts of South America, as well as New Zealand. One of the
most extensively distributed genera is Poa. It is found almost over the whole
earth; and, although it reaches its maximum in the temperate, has also many
species in the torrid zone.
" What has been said of the decided influence of the degrees of latitude on
groups and genera, holds also of the habitus of vegetation in general. The
greatest differences between tropical and extra-tropical Grasses appear to be
the following :
" 1. The tropical Grasses acquire a much greater height, and occasionally
assume the appearance of trees. Some species of Bambusa are from 50 to 60
feet high.
"2. The leaves of the tropical Grasses are broader, and approach more in
form to those of the other families of plants. Of this the genus Paspalus af-
fords many examples.
" 3. Separate stamens and pistils are more frequent in the tropical Grasses.
Zea, Sorghum Andropogon, Olyra, Anthistiria, Ischsemum, iEgilops, and
many other genera, which only occur in the torrid zone, and are there found in
perfection, are monoecious, or polygamous. Holcus is perhaps the only extra-
tropical genus with separate stamens and pistils.
" 4. The flowers are softer, more downy, and elegant.
" 5. The extra-tropical Grasses, on the contrary, far surpass the tropical in
respect of the number of individuals. That compact grassy turf, which, espe-
cially in the colder parts of the temperate zones, in spring and summer, composes
the green meadows and pastures, is almost entirely wanting in the torrid zone.
The Grasses there do not grow crowded together, but, like other plants, more
dispersed. Even in the southern parts of Europe, the assimilation to the
warmer regions, in this respect, is by no means inconsiderable. Arundo donax,
by its height, reminds us of the Bamboo ; Saccharum Ravenna^, S. Teneriffse,
Imperata arundinacea, Lagurus ovatus, Lygeum spartum, and the species of
Stipa, by their soft, downy, elegant flowers ; and the species of Andropogon,
jiEgilops, &c, by separate stamens and pistils, exhibit tropical qualities. The
Grasses are also less gregarious, and meadows seldomer occur, in the south
than in the north of Europe.
" As to what relates to the distribution of individuals, the generality of spe-
cies are social plants.
" Lastly, — Do we wish to know how this family is distributed, in respect of
the number of species, and where they reach their maxima and minima 1 The
following materials may supply, not indeed either a complete or faithful repre-
sentation, because the Grasses are not treated of by botanists or travellers in
general with the same care as the other families ; but they will at least give
some hints towards effecting that object. In Persoon's Synopsis, the Grasses
of the torrid zone form l-25th, and those of the temperate zone l-22d of the
whole vegetation , but when it is considered that the Grasses of the former have
been less investigated than the European, the quotient would be nearly alike in
both zones. In the systems of Romer and Schultes, tropical are to the Eu-
ropean Grasses as 2 to 3 ; but this, from a probable conjecture, is also the pro-
48
298
portion of all tropical and extra-tropical plants. In Persoon's Synopsis it is as
1 to 2 ; and since the publication of that work, the knowledge of tropical has
been enlarged in a greater proportion than that of extra-tropical plants. Al-
though, however, the quotients in the torrid and temperate zones may be nearly
equal upon the whole, when taken in subdivisions there will be an inequality.
In the warm regions of South America, the Grasses, under 200 toises eleva-
tion, form from l-15th to l-16th of the whole ; in the West Indies l-17th ; on
the river Essequibo, in Guyana, l-12th to l-15th ; on the river Congo l-12th
to l-13th ; in Guyana 1-1 0th ; (in the last three the local circumstances are
peculiarly favourable for the Grasses) ; in the East Indies according to Brown,
l-12th; in Arabia l-15th ; and in tropical New Holland l-10th to 1-llth.
Now, attending to the circumstance, that tropical are scarcely so well known
as other phanerogamic plants, it is not improbable that the true quotient for
the torrid zone is l-10th to l-12th. In the warmer parts of the temperate
zone the Grasses appear to form a smaller proportion of the vegetation ; for,
in the extra-tropical parts of New Holland, they form from l-24th to 1 25th, at
the Cape l-35th, in Greece l-15th to l-16th, in the Canary Islands l-12thto
l-13th, in the Crimea and Caucasus l-14th to l-15th, in Naples 1-llth to
1-1 2th, in France l-13th, and in Egypt (where, however, the circumstauces
are peculiarly favourable) 1-lSth. Farther north the relative numbers seem to
rise somewhat higher ; in Germany l-13th, in Great Eritian 1-llth to l-12th,
in Denmark l-10th to 1-llth, in Scandinavia l-10th to 1-llth, in Kamchatka
l-7th to l-8th, Lapland 1-lOth, Iceland, l-8th to l-9th, Greenland 1 -8th to
l-9th, and in North America, according to Pursh, 1-I4th to l-15th. We may
assume, perhaps, as a medium for the warmer parts of the temperate zone,
l-12th to l-14th : for the colder, together with the polar regions, l-8th to
l-10th. That almost in every Flora the quotient is considerably higher than
in the works of Persoon, and of RSmer and Schultes, affords another proof,
that, in the rule, the distribution of the Grasses is more extensive than that of
the other phanerogamic plants.
"In southern Europe the number of the Grasses seems to diminish according
to the elevation, for in the Alpine Flora they are only l-18th. Their distribution
according to elevation does not, therefore, accord with that of the latitude ; in
South America the agreement is greater, for the relative numbers are, 0 to 200
toises, l-15thto l-16th; 200 to 1100 toises, l-15th to l-16th; 1100 to 1600
toises, 1-llth; above 1600 toises, l-14th.
" A detailed representation of the distribution of the cultivated Gramina
would certainly be very interesting. Here we must restrict ourselves to a short
and general outline, We shall endeavour to specify those Gramina which are
the prevailing ones in the large zones and continents, mentioning, in passing
those plants of other families which either supply the place of, or are associated
with, the different lands of grain, as the chief article of food. This distribu-
tion is determined not merely by climate, but depends on the civilization, in-
dustry, and traffic of the people, and often on historical events.
" Within the northern polar circle, agriculture is found only in a few places.
In Siberia grain reaches at the utmost only to 60°, in the eastern parts scarcely
above 55°, and in Kamchatka there is no agriculture even in the most southern
parts (51°). The polar limit of agriculture on the northwest coast of Ame-
rica appears to be somewhat higher ; for, in the more southern Russian posses-
sions (57° to 58°), barley and rye come to maturity. On the east coast of
America it is scarcely above 50° to 52°. Only in Europe, namely, in Lapland,
does the polar limit reach an unusually high latitude (70°). Beyond this,
dried fish, and here and there potatoes, supply the place of grain.
" The grains which extend farthest to the north in Europe are barley and
oats. These, which in the milder climates are not used for bread, afford to the
299
inhabitants of the northern parts of Norway and Sweden, of a part of Siberia
and Scotland, their chief vegetable nourishment.
" Rye is the next which becomes associated with these. This is the prevail-
ing grain in a great part of the northern temperate zone, namely, in the south
of Sweden and Norway, Denmark, and in all the lands bordering on the Baltic ;
the north of Germany, and part of Siberia. In the latter, another very nutri-
tious grain, buck-wheat, is very frequently cultivated. In the zone where tye
prevails, wheat is also generally to be found ; barley being here chiefly culti-
vated for the manufacture of beer, and oats supplying food for the horses.
" To these there follows a zone in Europe and western Asia, where rye dis-
appears, and wheat almost exclusively furnishes bread. The middle, or the
south of France, England, part of Scotland, a part of Germany, Hungary,
the Crimea and Caucasus, as also the lands of middle Asia, where agriculture
is followed, belong to this zone. Here the vine is also found ; wine supplants
the use of beer ; and barley is consequently less raised.
" Next comes a district where wheat still abounds, but no longer exclusively
furnishes bread, rice and maize becoming, frequent. To this zone belong Por-
tugal, Spain, part of France on the Mediterranean, Italy, and Greece ; further,
the countries of the East, Persia, northern India, Arabia, Egypt, Nubia, Bar-
bary, and the Canary Islands ; in these latter countries, however, the culture
of maize or rice, towards the south, is always more considerable, and in some
of them several kinds of Sorghum (Doura) and Poa Abyssinica come to be
added. In both these regions of wheat, rye only occurs at a considerable ele-
vation ; oats, however, more seldom, and at last entirely disappear ; barley af-
fording food for horses and mules.
" In the eastern parts of the temperate zone of the Old Continent, in China
and Japan, our northern kinds of grain are very unfrequent, and lice is found to
predominate. The cause of this difference between the east and the west of
the Old Continent appears to be in the manners and peculiarities of the people.
In North America, wheat and rye grow as in Europe, but more sparingly.
Maize is more reared in the Western than in the Old Continent, and rice pre-
dominates in the southern provinces of the United States.
11 In the torrid zone, maize predominates in America, rice in Asia, and both
these grains in nearly equal quantity in Africa. The case of this distribution is,
without doubt, historical ; for Asia is the native country of rice, and America of
maize. In some situations, especially in the neighbourhood of the tropics,
wheat is also met with, but always subordinate to these other kinds of grain.
Besides rice and maize, there are, in the torrid zone, several kinds of grain, as
well as other plants, which supply the inhabitants with food, either used along
with them, or entirely occupying their place. Such are, in the New Continent,
Yams (Dioscorea alata), the Manihot (Jatropha manihot), and the Batatas
(Convolvulus batatas), the root of which, and the fruit of the Pisang (Banana,
Musa), furnish universal articles of food. In the same zone, in Africa, Doura
(Sorghum), Pisang, Manihot, Yams, and Arachis hypogaa. In the East
Indies, and on the Indian Islands, Eleusine coracana, E. stricta, Panicum fru-
mentaceum ; several Palms and Cycadere, which produce the Sago; Pisang,
Yams, Batatas, and the Bread-fruit (Artocarpus incisa). In the islands of the
South Sea, grain of every kind disappears, its place being supplied by the
Bread-fruit tree, the Pisang, and Tacca pinnatifida. In the tropical parts of
New Holland there is no agriculture, the inhabitants living on the produce of
the Sago, of various Palms, and some species of Arum.
" In the high lands of South America there is a distribution similar to that of
the degrees of latitude. Maize, indeed, grows to the height of 7200 feet above
the level of the sea, but only predominates between 3000 and 6000 of eleva-
tion. Below 3000 feet it is associated with the Pisang, and the above-men-
300
tioned vegetables ; while, from 6000 to 9260 feet, the European grains abound ;
wheat in the lower regions, and rye and barley in the higher ; along with
which Chenopodium Q,uinoa, as a nutritious plant, must also be enumerated
Potatoes alone are cultivated frotu 9260 to 12,300 feet.
" To the south of the tropic of Capricorn, wherever agriculture is practised,
considerable resemblance with the northern temperate zone may be observed.
In the southern parts of Brazil, in Buenos Ayres, in Chile, at the Cape of
Good Hope, and in the temperate zone of New Holland, wheat predominates ;
barley, however, and rye, make their appearance in the southernmost parts of
these countries, and in Van Diemen's Land. In New Zealand the culture of
wheat is said to have been tried with success ; but the inhabitants avail them-
selves of the Acrostichum furcatum as the main article of sustenance.
" Hence it appears, that, in respect of the predominating kinds of grain, the
earth may be divided into five grand divisions, or kingdoms. The kingdom of
Rice, of Maize, Wheat, and Rye, and lastly of Barley and Oats. The first
three are the most extensive ; the Maize has the greatest range of tempera-
ture; but Rice may be said to support the greatest number of the human race."
Properties. The uses of this1 most important tribe of plants, for fodder,
for food, and for clothing, require little illustration. The abundance of whole-
some feecula contained in all their seeds renders them peculiarly well adapted
for the sustenance of man ; and if the Corn tribe only, such as Wheat, Barley,
Oats, Maize, Rice, and Guinea Corn, are the kinds commonly employed, it is
because of the large size of their seeds compared with those of other Grasses,
for none are unwholesome in their natural state, with the single exception of
Lolium temulentum, a common weed in many parts of England, the effects of
which are undoubtedly deleterious, although perhaps much exaggerated. In
this respect an approach seems to be naturally made to the properties of half-
putrid Wheat, which are known to be dangerous. The grain of Eleusine co-
racana is cultivated as corn, under the name of Natchenny, upon the Coro-
mandel Coast. JLinslie 1. 245. Independently of their nutritive fsecula,
Grasses contain a large proportion of two other principles which deserve espe-
cial mention, viz. sugar and silex. The abundance of the former in the Sugar-
cane is the cause of its extensive cultivation ; but a large quantity exists in
many other Grasses, some of which, such as Holcus saccharatus, have actual-
ly been grown as substitutes for the Sugar-cane in Italy; its presencein the nas-
cent embryo of Barley is the cause of that grain being employed under the
name of malt in the preparation of beer and of ardent spirits. Dr. Chisholm
says, that the juice of the Sugar-cane is the best antidote to arsenic. Ed. P.
J. 4. 221. That the cuticle of Grasses contains a large proportion of silex, is
proved by its hardness, and by large masses of vitrified matter being found
whenever a hay-stack or heap of corn is accidentally consumed by fire. In
the joints of some Grasses a perfect siliceous deposit is found, particularly in a
kind of jungle Grass mentioned in a letter from Dr. Moore to Dr. Kennedy of
Edinburgh. Ibid. 2. 192. It is also said that Wheat-straw may be melted
into a colorless glass with the blow-pipe, without any addition. Barley-straw
melts into a glass of a topaz yellow colour. Ibid. 2. 194. The siliceous mat-
ter of the Bamboo is often secreted at the joints, where it forms the singular
substance called tabasheer, of which see a very interesting account in Dr.
Brewster's Journal, 8. 268. It was found by Dr. Turner that the tabasheer
of India consisted of silica containing a minute quantity of lime and vegetable
matter. A coarse soft paper, of excellent quality, is manufactured in India
from the tissue of the Bamboo. A cooling drink is prepared in India from the
roots of Cynodon Dactylon. Ainslie, 2. 27. The fragrance of some Grasses,
such as Anthoxanthum odoratum and Holcus odoratus, depends, according to
Vogel, upon the presence of Benzoic acid. Ed. P. J. 14. 170. Sulphur ex-
301
ists, in combination with different bases, in Wheat, Barley, Rye, Oats, Maize,
Millet, and Rice. Ibid. 172. The Arundo arenaria is an invaluable species
for keeping together the blowing sands of the sea-coast, by its creeping suck-
ers and tough entangled roots. It is employed in the Hebrides for many eco-
nomical purposes, being made into ropes for various uses, mats for pack-sad-
dles, bags, hats, &c. Ibid. 6. 155. Some of the Reeds of Brazil, called Ta-
quarussa, grow from 30 to 40 feet high, with a diameter of six inches ; they
form thorny impenetrable thickets, and are exceedingly grateful to hunters ; for,
on cutting off such a reed below the joint, the stem of the younger shoots is
found to be full of a cool pleasant liquid, which immediately quenches the most
burning thirst. Pr. Max. Trav. 81. The roasted leaves of Andropogon
Schacnanthus are used in India, in infusion, as an excellent stomachic. An es-
sential oil of a pleasant taste is extracted from the leaves in the Moluccas ; and
the Javanese esteem the plant much as a mild aromatic and stimulant.
Ainslie, 2. 58. This is the Grass oil of Nemaur, called in India Ivarancusa,
and described in Breivsler's Journal, 9. 333. Many others, such as Andropo-
gon citratum and nardus, and Anthoxanthum odoratum, partake in the same
qualities. The gluten of Wheat yields the two chemical principles called glia-
dine and zimome. Ann. of Phil. no. 89. p. 390. M. Decandolle truly re-
marks, that the dangerous effects of the ergot of Corn is no exception to the
generally wholesome properties of the order, because in this the whole grain is
in a state of disease. The ergot of Rye has been lately found to exercise a
decidedly powerful stimulant effect upon the uterus, on which account it is
now frequently and successfully employed by European practitioners in cases
of difficult parturition. The ergot of Maize is, according to M. Roulin, very
common in Colombia, and the use of it is attended with a shedding of the hair,
and even the teeth, of both man and beast. MuleS fed on it lose their hoofs,
and fowls lay eggs without shell. Its action upon the uterus is as powerful as
that of the Rye ergot, or perhaps more so. Ann. des Sc. 19. 279. The
country name of the Maize thus affected is Mais peladero. The best fodder
Grasses of Europe are usually dwarf species, or at least such as do not rise
more than 3 or 4 feet above the ground, and of these the larger kinds are apt
to become hard and wiry ; the most esteemed are Lolium perenne, Phleum, and
Festuca pratense, Cynosurus cristatus, and various species of Poa and dwarf
Festuca, to which should be added Anthoxanthum odoratum for its fragrance.
But the fodder Grasses of Brazil are of far more gigantic stature, and perfectly
tender and delicate. We learn from Nees von Esenbeck, that the Caapim de
Angola of Brazil, Panicum spectabile, grows 6 or 7 feet high; while other
equally gigantic species constitute the field crops on the banks of the Amazon.
Examples. It is no easy matter to decide upon the arrangement of Grasses
which is most likely to be eventually adopted, when we find such men as
Brown, Kunth, Palisot, Link, and Trinius, advocating different methods ; and
it would be quite bej^ond mypurpose to give all of them here. Upon the whole,
the following, which is that employed by Nees v. Esenbeck in his excellent ac-
count of the Grasses of Brazil, has the best prospect of becoming established
among botanists :
1. Paniceae, Kunth. (Panicum, Paspalus, Cenchrus.)
2. Olyreas, Kunth. (Luziola, Pharus, Olyra.)
3. Saccharinese, Kunth. Saccharum, Andropogon, Anthistiria.)
4. Stipeae, Kunth. (Stipa, Chaetaria.)
5. Agrosteae, Kunth. (Phalaris, Vilfa, Agrostis, Spartina.)
6. Chlorideae, Kunth. (Pappophorum, Chloris, Eleusine.)
7. Hordeaceae, Kunth. (Lolium, Triticum, Secale.)
8. Festucaceae, Kunth.
302
§ 1. Avenacea?, Kunth. (A vena.)
§2. Arundinaceae, Kunth (Arundo, Gynerium.)
§ 3. Festucea?, Kunth. (Cynosurus, Bromus, Poa.)
9. Oryzeae, Kunth. (Leersia, Oryza.)
10. Bambusete, Kunth.
§ 1. Triglossa?, Link. (Arundinaria.)
§2. Bambusea; vera;, Nees. (Bambusa, Streptochaeta.)
CCLXII. CYPERACE.E The Sedge Tribe.
Cypeboideje, Juss. Gen. 26. (1789); Link Hort. Botanic. 1. (1827).— Cvperaceje, R. Brown
Prodr. 212. (1810); Lestiboudois Essai ; Dec. and Duby, 483. (1828) ; Lindl. Synops
278. (1829.) * U P
Diagnosis. Glumaceous monocotyledons, with angular stems, entire leaf-
sheaths, and an undivided emtoyo included within the albumen.
Anomalies. The glumes of Carex and Uncinia are united by their mar-
gins, so as to form an external covering to the pistillum.
Essential Character. — Flowers monoclinous or diclinous, consisting- of imbricated soli-
tary bractese, very rarely enclosing' other opposite bractese at right angles with the first, called
glumes. Perianthium none, unless the glumes, when present, be so considered, or the hypogy-
nous setffi. Stamens hypogynous, definite, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 ; anthers fixed by their
base, entire, 2-celled. Ovary 1-seeded, often surrounded by bristles called hypogynous setae,
probably constituting the rudiments of a perianthium ; ovulum erect ; style single, trifid, or
bifid ; stigmas undivided, occasionally bifid. Nut crustaceous or bony. Albumen of the
same figure as the seed ; embryo lenticular, undivided, enclosed within the base of 'the albu-
men; plutnula inconspicuous. — Roots fibrous. Stems very often without joints, 3-comered,
or taper. Leaves with their sheaths entire. The lowermost bractese often sterile.
Affinities. These so nearly resemble the last tribe in appearance, that
the one may be readily mistaken for the other by incurious persons ; they are,
however, essentially distinguished by many important points of structure. In
the first place, their steins are solid and angular, not round and fistular ; there
is no diaphragm at the articulations ; their flowers are destitute of any other
covering than that afforded them by a single bractea, in the axilla of which they
grow, with the exception of Carex, Uncinia, and Diplacrum, in which 2 oppo-
site glumes are added ; and, finally, the seed has its embryo lying in one end
of the albumen, within which its cotyledonar extremity is enclosed, and not on
the outside, as in Grasses ; a very important fact, which it is the more necessa-
ry to point out, as Mr. Brown describes it (Prodr. 212) as lenticular and placed
on the outside of the albumen. The additional glumes above adverted to form
what Linnesan botanists call the nectary or arillus ! Mr. Brown mentions a
case where these glumes, which he calls a capsular perianthium, included sta-
mens instead of a pistillum. According to Turpin, rudiments of them some-
times appear in different species of Mariscus. The close affinity of Cypera-
ceae, on the one hand, to Grasses, is sufficiently apparent ; on the other, they
approach Junceae and Restiacea?, in the glumaceous state of the perianthium,
and in general habit. They are at once known from Restiacea; by the sheaths
of the leaves not being slit. The species are extremely difficult to determine,
and the distinctive characters of the genera are unsatisfactory*
* It ia to be hoped that much light will be thrown upon the subject by M. Prescott, of St.
Petersburgh, who has long been making these plants his especial study, and to whom all bota-
nists who wish well to science ought to confide whatever materials they may be able to spare.
303
Geography. Found in marshes, ditches, and running streams, in meadows
and on heaths, in groves and forests, on the blowing sands of the sea-shore, on
the tops of mountains, from the arctic to the antarctic circle, wherever Phreno-
gamous vegetation can exist. Humboldt remarks, that in Lapland Cyperacees
are equal to Gramineoe, but that thence, from the temperate zone to the equa-
tor, in the northern hemisphere, the proportion of Cyperaceae to Gramineae very
much diminishes. As we approach the line, the character of the order also
changes : Carex, Scirpus, Schcenus, and their allies, cease to form the principal
mass of the order, the room of which is usurped by Cyperus, Kyllinga, Ma-
riscus, and the like, genera comparatively unknown in northern regions, or at
least not forming any marked feature in the vegetation. A few species are com-
mon to very different parts of the world, as Scirpus triqueter and capitatus,
and Fuirena umbellata, to New Holland and South America, and several Scir-
puses to Europe and the southern hemisphere.
Properties. While Grasses are celebrated for their nutritive qualities, and
for the abundance of feecula and sugar they contain, Sedges are little less re-
markable for the frequent absence of those principles : hence they are scarcely
eaten by cattle. The roots of Carex arenaria, disticha, and hirta, have dia-
phoretic and demulcent properties, on which account they are called German
Sarsaparilla. Those of Cyperuses are succulent, and filled with a nutritive
and agreeable mucilage. In Cyperus longus a bitter principle is superadded,
which gives its roots a tonic and stomachic quality. Dec. The tubers of Cy-
perus rotundus are said by General Hardwicke to be administered successfully
in cases of cholera by Hindoo practitioners, who call the plant Mootha. Those
of C. perennis, or Nagur-Mootha, are, when dried and pulverized, used by
Indian ladies for scouring and perfuming their hair. Trans. M. and P. Soc.
Calc. 2. 400. The root of Cyperus odoratus has a warm aromatic taste, and
is given in India, in infusion, as a stomachic. Ainslie, 2. 58. Cyperus Hydra
is said by Dr. Hamilton to be a pest to the sugar-cane plantations of the
West India Islands, overrunning them and rendering them barren. The
planters call it Nut Grass. Prodr. Fl. Jnd. p. 13. The root of Scleria litho-
sperma is supposed, upon the Malabar coast, to have antinephritic virtues.
Ainslie, 2. 121. The papyrus of the Egyptians was obtained from a plant of
this order, Cyperus Papyrus. Various Scirpuses and similar plants are ap-
plied to domestic purposes, such as making the bottoms of chairs, the wicks of
candles, the stuffing of cushions, &c.
Examples. M. Lestiboudois divides Cyperaceee thus :
§ 1. Scirpeae. (Scirpus, Eriophorum.)
§ 2. Kobresie83. (Elyna, Kobresia.)
§ 3. Cypereae. (Cyperus, Kyllinga.)
§ 4. Chrysitriceae. (Chorizandra, Chrysitrix.)
But this arrangement has little merit. M. Kunth uses the following :
§ 1. True Cyperaces?. (Cyperus, Kyllinga.)
§ 2. Scirpeae. (Scirpus, Schcenus.)
§ 3. Sclerinae. (Scleria.)
§ 4. Caricinae. (Carex, Uncinia.)
304
Class II. CELLULARES, or FLOWERLESS PLANTS.
Acotyledones, Juss. Gen. 1. (1789).— ExEMBRYONATiE or Arhizje, Rich. Anal, du Fr. (1808).
—Cellulares, Dec. Fl. Fr. 1. 68. (1815) ; Lindl. Synops. p. 3. (1829).— Acotyledoneje
and Pseudocotyledone.e, Agardh Aph. 72. (1821). — AgaMjE, Cryptogamous or JEtheo-
oamous Plants of authors; Ad. Brongniart in Diet. Class. 5. 155. (1824).— Nemea.
Fries. Syst. Orb. Veg. 1. 30. (1825.)
Essential Character. — Substance of the plant composed of cellular tissue chiefly, either
in a spheroidal or elongated state; spiral vessels wholly absent ; annular ducts present in
some. Cuticle generally destitute of stomata. Stamens and -pistils, and consequently^owers, ab-
sent. Reproduction taking place either by sporules, which are enclosed in particular cases,
called thecce, or imbedded in the substance of the plant, or else by a mere dissolution of the
utricles of cellular tissue ; germination occurring at no fixed point, but upon any part of the
surface of the sporules.
Such are the characters bj which this class of the vegetable kingdom is dis-
tinguished from the last ; characters of so marked a kind as to render it impos-
sible to refer individuals of one to the other. The universal want of flowers,
and of proper stamens and pistils ; the total absence of spiral vessels, the
place of which is only occasionally supplied by annular ducts ; and the non-
existence of a true trunk (for the stipes of Ferns, composed only of the united
bases of the leaves or fronds, is scarcely analogous to the trunk of Vascular
piants) ; and, finally, the near approach in the most simple tribes, such as Ar-
throdieee and Chaodines, to the nature of infusorial animalcules, are all facts,
the accuracy of which is undisputed, and which have no parallel in flowering
plants. It is true that stamens and pistils have been described by various authors
in many of the tribes of Cellulares; but it is equally certain, that if such organs
for propogation ever exist, which is extremely doubtful, they are in a most imper-
fect state, and by no means analogous to what we call the stamens and pistils in
Vasculares ; and it is even conjectured that the simplest forms of Lichens, Fungi,
and Alga, are produced by a kind of equivocal generation, from a common
form of matter having no inherent special tendency to control its mode of de-
velopement, but appearing as a Lichen, Alga, or Fungus, according to the pe-
culiar conditions of soil and atmosphere under which it is called into action.
Upon this subject more will be said, in speaking of those orders hereafter.
Flowerless may be said to approach Flowering plants by Ferns, which have
a certain relation to Cycadere, by Lycopodinese, which may be compared in
many respects to Coniferse, and by Equisetacere, which have a great external
resemblance to Casuarina.
The subject of Cryptogamic botany is not less obscure than extensive ; it is
usually, among botanists, an object of separate attention, especially in the
lower tribes ; and I think I shall best consult the interest of readers of this
work, by stating the opinions of those who have given the greatest attention to
particular tribes, rather than by offering any thing novel myself. I trust, how-
ever, I may, without incurring the charge of presumption from those great
crjptogamists whose lives have been devoted to the study of the subject, offer
here and there a few remarks upon the analogy that exists between the more
anomalous forms of Cellulares and those of Flowering Plants : I venture to do
this with the more confidence, because the truth of any opinions I may ad-
vance will have to be tried by the general laws of vegetable organization, and
upon principles which do not depend upon an extensive acquaintance with
species.
305
We have seen that in Vascular plants the great divisions of Monocotyle-
dons and Dicotyledons, or of Endogenous and Exogenous plants, have been
satisfactorily established. In Ccllulares attempts have been made to establish
parallel divisions, but I fear, without much success ; these plants appearing to
be analogous rather to one of the two divisions of Vasculares, than to compre-
hend within themselves groups of equally different organization.
M. Decandolle refers Ferns and their immediate allies to Endogenous plants,
and separates the remainder into Foliacecs, or plants with leafy expansions,
and Aplujllce, or those destitute of leaves : but to the first of these there are
grave objections ; the second nearly corresponds with the arrangement here
adopted.
Agardh, in 1821, divided them thus : Acotyledone^:, or leafless plants,
with all the parts confluent, the colour not herbaceous, with no stamens and
pistils, and propagated by sporidia. (Spoiidium est corculum nudum, radicula,
cotyledone, et hilo destitutum. JLph. 71.) Pseudocotyledone.5:, or leafy
plants, the parts of which are sometimes confluent, the colour green, with an
attempt at producing stamens and pistils, and propagated by sporules enclosed
in capsules. (Spora est corculum perispermio (?) et membrana simplici hilo
destitute inclusum, germinalione cotyledonidium (analogon cotyledoni folium)
explicans. Ibid. 71.) To Acotyledoneae he refers only Fungi, Lichens, and
Algae, and comprehends the remainder in Pseudocotyledoneae. This arrange-
ment is undoubtedly natural, but it is liable to objection, on the ground, that
although the two groups are distinct, yet it is extremely uncertain whether the
characters assigned to each are founded upon accurate observation. For in-
stance, the distinction drawn between their modes of reproduction or germina-
tion is altogether arbitrary. It is well known that Mosses and Confervas are so
similar when germinating, that young plants of the former have been described
as belonging to the latter tribe (see Mr. Drummond's paper in the Transactions
of the Linnozan Society, 15. p. 20.) ; and yet one is said to increase by sporules,
and the other by sporidia. The confluence of all the parts in Acotyledoneae,
and the separation of them in Pseudocotyledoneae, will not distinguish them ;
witness Marchantia, Riccia, &c. in the latter, and such species as Caulerpa
hypnoides in the former. Colour is a still less satisfactory difference : for ex-
ample, what green have we in Mosses or Ferns, or other Pseudocofyledonea?,
more intense than in Ulva and numerous Algae among Acotyledoneae ? As to
a supposed tendency to developement of stamens and pistils- in one and not in
the other, this may possibly be the case ; but it is no character of the two
groups ; for what better proof have we of any such tendency existing in Lyco-
podineae or Hepaticae, than in Lichens.
Fries, in his Plantoz Homonemea ■, adopts these divisions, but assigns them
new names and characters. He calls the Acotyledoneae of Agardh Homone-
mea, and the Pseudocotyledoneae he terms Heteronemea, with the following
characters : Heteronemea. Germinating filaments, combining in a hetero-
geneous body, with some analogy to the difference of stamens and pistils. Tis-
sue consisting of cellules regularly united. Homonemea. Germinating fila-
ments, either distinct or combining in a homogeneous bod_y, with no trace of
sexual differences. Tissue consisting of anomalous, somewhat filamentous cel-
lules.— I scarcely know whether to consider these definitions more satisfactory
than those of Agardh ; perhaps they are : but their fault is evidently that of
being too hypothetical, and of not distinctly deciding the position of Hepatica?.
Struck, perhaps, with this objection, M. Adolphe Brongniart has more re-
cently proposed a triple division of Cellular plants, in the following manner :
I. Neither vessels nor foliaceous appendages ; no trace of stamens and pistils :
sporules contained in indehiscent capsules, or bursting irregularly, with no kind
of proper integument. These answer to the Acotyledones of Agardh and the
49
306
Homonemea of Fries. II. No vessels, but foliaceous appendages ; stamens
and pistils doubtful ; sporules contained in great numbers in capsules that burst
regularly, and having a proper integument. Ex. Hepaticae and Mosses. III.
Vessels present, and foliaceous appendages ; stamens and pistils certainly existing
in some ; sporules contained in polyspermous and dehiscent, or monospermous
indehiscent capsules. Ex. Ferns and their allies, with Chara. — To the defini-
tions of these, several objections' might be taken, particularly to all that part
which relates to the supposed presence of stamens pistils and ; but the divisions
themselves appear less exceptionable than any others that have been proposed.
They are therefore adopted here, with such an alteration of their definitions as
will render them less open to criticism. They are in conformity with the view
that has been taken of the subject by Nees v. Esenbeck, in his and Eber-
maier's excellent Medical Botany, which only reached me after the whole of
the preceding matter had been written.
Flowerless plants may be considered to exist in three principal forms :
first, those in which a distinct vascular system exists; secondly, those in which
no vascular system exists, but which have a central axis of developement ; and
thirdly, those which have neither a vascular system nor a central axis, but are
mere homogeneous masses ramified irregularly. The two former have their re-
productive bodies, or sporules, arranged in cases provided for their elaboration
and ultimate dispersion ; in the latter the sporules lie in the substance of the
plant, and can only be disseminated by its destruction. These may be called
Fern-like, Moss like, and Leafless Flowerless plants.
307
Tribe. 1. FILICOIDE^ or FERN-LIKE PLANTS.
Endogen*: Cryptogam*, Dec. Thcor. Elem. 249. (1829).— Pseudocotyledoneje, Classes 2,
3, and 4 ; Agardh Aph. 103. (1822).— Heteronemea, Fries Syst. Crb. Vcg. 33. (1825), ire
part.- Acotyledones, Class 3 ; Ad. Brongn. in Diet. Class. 5. 159. (1824).— Crypto-
gamic*, 3d Circle. T. F. L. Nees v. Esenbeck and Ebermaier Handb. der Med. Bot. 1.
18. (1830.)
Diagnosis. Flowerless plants, with a stem having a vascular system and
distinct leaves ; their sporules having a proper integument, and contained in dis-
tinct axillary or dorsal thecae.
This differs from the third class of M. Brongniart in the exclusion of Chara-
cese, which are known to be destitute of a vascular system, and which more
properly belong to the next section, connecting it with the third ; as Marsilea-
cese unite the first and second. Von Esenbeck and Ebermaier also exclude
this family, referring it to the third or leafless tribe.
LIST OF THE ORDERS.
263 Equisetacese. 265 Lycopodiacero.
264 Filices. 266 Marsileacse.
CCLXIII. EQUISETACE^E. The Horse-tail Tribe.
Equisetaceje, Dec. Fl. Fr. 2. 580. (1815) ; Agardh Aph. 119. (1822) ; Kaulfuss Enum. FHi-
cum, 1. (1824); Greville Flora Edin. xiii. (1824): Adolphe Brongniart Hist. Veg.Fosf,
99. (1828.)
Diagnosis, Flowerless plants, with their sporules surrounded by elastic
clavate filaments, and enclosed in thecae arising from the scales of terminal
cones. Vernation straight.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Leafless branched plants, with a striated fistular stem, beneath
the cuticle of which silex is secreted ; the articulations separable, and surrounded by a mem-
branous toothed sheath. Reproductive organs consisting- of 1-valved theca bursting- longitu-
dinally, and arranged upon cuneate scales, which are collected into strobiliform heads; spo-
rules surrounded by minute granules, and having- at their base 4 elastic clavate filaments,
twisted spirally round them when dry, but expanding when moistened.
Affinities. The very remarkable plants known by the vulgar name of
horsetails, seem to have no very decided affinity to any existing tribes. With
Ferns their relation is far from obvious, depending almost entirely upon the
want of stamens and pistils, and the presence of annular ducts without spiral
vessels. In the arrangement and appearance of their reproductive organs they
have a striking resemblance to Zamia, and in general aspect to Casuarina.
Their germination is that of Cellular plants, and approaches nearly to Mosses.
Upon the whole, they must be considered an exceedingly anomalous tribe, ap-
proaching Coniferae through Cycadess more closely than any thing else. The
curious structure of their stem is well described by Ad, Brongniart in his His-
308
tory of Fossil Vegetables, as are, indeed, all the parts of their organization :
see Tables 11 and 12 of that work. This ingenious writer entertains the
opinion that the green body which is known to be the sporule, is a naked ovu-
lum, and the 4 swollen filaments that surround it 4 grains of pollen united in
pairs to the base of the ovulum. It is probable that the nearest approach to
the structure of stamens and pistils does take place here, and that, considering the
analogy between the thecae of Equisetum and the lobes of the anther of Coni-
fers, and the filaments of the former and the quaternary grains of pollen of Cy-
cas, the parallel drawn by M. Brongniart is just ; but it must, at the same
time, I think, be admitted, that it is very doubtful whether, in this order, the
parts are any thing more than representatives of the stamens and pistils, without
the power of performing their functions.
The germination of the sporules has been explained, both by Agardh and
Bischoff. The former {Aphor. 120) describes it thus : From 3 to 14 days
after they are sown, they send down a filiform, hyaline, somewhat clavate,
simple root, and protrude a confervoid, cylindrical, obtuse, articulated, torulose
thread, either 2-lobed (in E. pratense) at the apex, or simple (in E. palustre).
Some days after, several branches grow out and are agglutinated together,
forming a body resembling a bundle of confervoid threads, each of which pushes
out its own root. The account of Bischoff {Nov. Act. Acad. JV. Cur. 14. t. 44.)
is not materially different : he finds the confervoid threads or numerous pro-
cesses of cellular developement go on growing and combining, until a consider-
able cellular mass is formed ; then this mode of developement ceases, and a
young bud is created, which springs up in the form of the stem of the Equise-
tum, at once completely organized, with its air-cells, its central cavity, and its
sheaths, the first of which is formed before the elongation of the stem, out of the
original cellular matter.
Geography. From the researches of M. A. Brongniart, it appears indis-
putable that plants very nearly the same as these in their organization formed
part, and a considerable part too, of the original vegetation of the globe ; not,
however, puny species, such as those of our days, with feeble stems, scarcely
ever exceeding 3 or 4 feet in height, but gigantic vegetables, many yards long.
If, indeed, certain striated fossils of the coal fields should be referable to this
family, it will be found that some of them must have been vast trees. In our
days they are found in ditches and rivers in most parts of the world, within and
without the tropics ; they have not, however, been yet seen in New Holland.
Properties. None of importance in a medicinal point of view ; they are
said to be slightly astringent and stimulating, and have even been recommend-
ed as diuretics and emmenagogues ; they are, however, not now employed. In
economical purposes they are found highly useful, for polishing furniture and
household utensils ; a property which is due to the presence of a great quantity
of silex below their cuticle. According to the observations of Dr. John of Ber-
lin, they contain full 13 per cent, of siliceous earth. Ed. P. J. 2. 394. The
ashes have been found by chemists to contain half their weight of silica.
Jameson1 s Journal, Jan. 1830, p. 102. The quantity of silex contained beneath
the cuticle of Equisetum hyemale is so great, that Mr. Sivright succeeded in
removing the vegetable matter and retaining the form. Grev. Fl. Edin. 214.
On subjecting a portion of the cuticle of Equisetum hyemale to the analysis of
polarized light under a high magnifying power, Dr. Brewster detected a beau-
tiful arrangement of the siliceous particles, which are distributed in two lines
parallel to the axis of the stem, and extending over the whole surface. The
greater number of the particles form simple straight lines, but the rest are
grouped into oval forms connected together like the jewels of a necklace, by a
chain of particles forming a sort of curvilinear quadrangle, these rows of oval
combinations being arranged in pairs. Many of those particles which form the
309
straight lines do not exceed the 500th of an inch in diameter. Dr. Brewster
also observed the remarkable fact, that each particle has a regular axis of
double refraction. In the straw and chaff of Wheat, Barley, Oats, and Rye,
he noticed analogous phenomena ; but the particles were arranged in a differ-
ent manner, and displaj^ed figures of singular beauty. From these data the
doctor concludes that the crystalline portions of silex and other earths, which
are found in vegetable tissues, are not foreign substances of accidental occur-
rence, but are integral parts of the plant itself, and probably perform some im-
portant function in the process of vegetable life. Grevill. Fl. Edinens. 214.
Example. Equisetum.
CCLXIV. FILICES. The Fern Tribe.
Filices, Juss. Gen. 14. (1789) ; Swartz Synops. Filicum (1306) ;' Willd. Sp. PI. vol. 5. (1910) ;
R. Brown, Prodr. 145. (1810) ; Agardh Aph. 115. (1822) ; Kaulfuss Enum. (1824) ; Sprang.
Syst. Veg. vol. 4. (1827) ; Hooker and Grevillc lcones Filicum (1827-1829.)
Diagnosis. Flowerless plants, with their sporules either enclosed in thecae
arising from the back or margin of the leaves, or naked upon the back of de-
formed leaves. Vernation circinate.
Anomalies. In Gphioglossere the vernation is straight.
Essential Chabacter. — Leafy plants, producing' a rhizoma, which creeps below or upon
the surface of the earth, or rises into the air like the trunk of a tree ; this trunk consists of a
hollow cylinder, of equal diameter at both ends, containing- a loose cellular substance which
often disappears ; it is coated by a hard, cellular, fibrous rind, which is much thicker next the
root than at the apex, and is composed of the united bases of the leaves. Leaves (or fronds)
coiled up in vernation, with annular ducts in the vascular tissue of their petiole, either simple
or divided in various degrees, traversed by dichotomous veins of equal thickness, which are
composed of elongated cellular tissue, with occasional ducts; cuticle frequently with stomata.
Reproductive Organs consisting of thecce or semitransparent cases arising' from the veins upon
the under surface of the leaves or from their margin. Thecce either pedicellate, with the stalk
passing round them in the form of an elastic ring-, or sessile and destitute, of such a ring ;
either springing from beneath the cuticle, which they then force up in the form of a mem-
brane (or indusium), or from the actual surface of the leaves. Sporules usually triangular,
arranged without order within these thecre. Sometimes the leaves are contracted about the
thecae, so as to assume the appearance of forming a part of the reproductive organs, and some
limes the place of theca is supplied by the depauperated'lobes ol the leaves.
Affinities. These, which are by far the most gigantic of the cellular
class, sometimes having trunks 40 feet high, approach the nearest to the Vas-
cular class by Cycadece, which may be considered to have much affinity with
them, on account of the imperfect degree in which their vascular system is de-
veloped, their pinnate leaves with a gyrate vernation, and their naked ovules
borne upon the margin of contracted leaves, as the thecae of Ferns are upon
the fronds of Osmunda. Their affinity with Equisetum, to which they were
formerly joined, consists more in their want of flowers, and in the presence of
annular ducts, than in any similarity of habit. Lycopodiaceee are readily
known by their axillary thecae dehiscing by two regular valves. Marsileaceoe
are so very different, that it is difficult to find points of comparison between
them.
M. Bory de St. Vincent elevates Ferns to the rank of a class intermediate
between Monocotyledons and Acotyledons ; but at the same time he attaches
no importance to the descriptions of those writers who, having seen the germi-
nation of the sporules, have attempted to prove an identity between them and
Monocotyledons in that respect. He justly observes, that the irregular unila-
teral scale which has been seen to sprout forth upon the first commencement of
their growth is extremely different from the cotyledon of Monocotyledons,
310
which pre-exists in the seed and never quits it, but swells during germination,-
and acts as a reservoir of nutriment for the young plantlet. He most properly
regards it as an imperfectly developed primordial leaf.
The organ in Ferns which deserves the most particular attention is the theca,
or case that contains the reproductive matter. By many it is named capsule ;
but as that kind of pericarpium is essentially connected with the power of
conveying fertilization from the staminiferous organs to the ovules, and im-
plies the existence of a certain definite relation between the various parts that
it contains, nothing of which kind is found in the theca of Ferns, it is not neces-
sary to insist upon the impropriety of applying such a name to any sporule-case
in Cellulares. Easy as it is to show that the theca is not analogous to a cap-
sule, it is far less so to demonstrate with what organs or modifications of organs
it really has an analogy. I am not, indeed, aware that this had been attempt-
ed, all botanists seeming to consider it a special organ, until, in the Outlines of
the First Principles of Botany, I ventured to hazard the following theory (par.
533) : " The thecal may be considered minute leaves, having the same gyrate
mode of developement as the ordinary leaves of the tribe ; their stalk the petiole,
the annulus -the midrib, and the theca itself the lamina, the edges of which are
united." I was led to this opinion, first, by the persuasion that there was no
special organ in Ferns to perform a function which in flowering plants is exe-
cuted by modifications of leaves ; and, secondly, by the examination of vivipa-
rous species. I need not here remark, that observation had shown us that the
leaves of Vasculares have the power of producing leaf-buds from their margin
or any point of their surface ; and the instance I have adduced in Grasses of a
monstrous Wheat shows that they can produce flower-buds also. I found in
Ferns, which are exceedingly subject to become viviparous, that the young
plants often grow from the same places as the thecse, or from the margin ; and
I was particularly struck with a viviparous Fern, of which a morsel was given
me by Dr. Wallich, where the young plants form little clusters of leaves in the
place of sori. Upon examining these young plants, I saw that the more per-
fect, though minute, fronds were preceded by still more minute primordial leaves
or scales, the cellular tissue of which had nearly the same arrangement as the
cellules of the theca ; and I was most especially struck with the resemblance
between the midrib of one of these scales and the annulus of a Polypodium.
A view of the thecal of various annulate Ferns produced a conviction of the
truth of the theory I had formed, which I now submit with much deference to
the consideration of the botanical world. It is, however, necessary that I
should here add what is only implied in the little work from which the fore-
going extract, is taken, that this explanation applies only to the gyrate Ferns.
With regard to those with striated theca-, or with what is called a broad trans-
verse ring, they may either be considered not to have the midrib of the young
scale, out of which the theca is formed, so much developed ; or the theca may
be with still more probability considered a nucleus of cellular tissue, sepa-
rating both from that which surrounds it and also from its internal substance,
which latter assumes the form of sporules, in the same way as the internal
tissue of an anther separates from the valves under the form of pollen. This
conjecture is, I think, very much confirmed by the anatomical structure of those
striated thecae which consist of a cluster of sporule-like areoloe of cellular tissue
at the base and apex, connected by extended cellules of the same description,
as in Gleichenia, and is far from being weakened by such thecae as those of
Parkeria. In Ophioglosseae another kind of provision is made for the produc-
tion of sporules, which in those plants seem to have no theca whatever beyond
the involute contracted segments of the frond which bears them. What are
called the thecse in Ophioglosseae are improperly so termed, and are much more
analogous to the involucrum of Marsilea.
311
Geography. The earliest Flora of the globe, that indicated by the fossil
remains in the coal measures, was composed of Ferns, almost to the exclusion
of other plants ; and even in these islands, where the tribe now forms an incon-
spicuous feature in the vegetation, grasses, herbs, and trees, were represented
by herbaceous and arborescent Ferns, and Fern-like plants. An approach to
this enormous disproportion between Ferns and the rest of the Flora is even
now exhibited in certain tropical islands, such as Jamaica, where they are l-9th
of the Phaenogamous plants ; New Guinea, where D'Lrville found them as 28
to 122 ; New Ireland, where they were as 13 to 60 ; and in the Sandwich
Islands, where they were as 40 to 160 ; and it is clear, from the collections of
Dr. Wallich, that Ferns must form a most important feature in the Indian Ar-
chipelago. Upon continents, however, they are far less numerous : thus, in
equinoctial America Humboldt does not estimate thp.m higher than l-36lh ;
and in New Holland Mr. Brown finds them l-37th. They decrease in pro-
portion towards either pole : so that in France they are only l-63d ; in Portu-
gal, 1-1 16th; in the Greek Archipelago, 1 -227th ; and in Egypt, l-971st.
Northwards of these countries their proportion again augments, so that they
form l-31st of the Phsenogamous vegetation of Scotland ; l-35th in Sweden ;
l-18th in Iceland ; l-10th in Greenland ; and l-7th at North Cape. (See a
very good paper upon this subject by D'Urville, in the Ann. des Sc. Nat. 6.
51. ; also Brown's Appendix to the Congo Voyage, 461.) Mr. Brown has ob-
served (Flinders, 584), that it is remarkable, that although arborescent Ferns
are found at the southern extremity of Van Diemen's Island, and even at
Dusky Bay in New Zealand, in nearly 46° south latitude, yet they have in no
case been found beyond the northern tropic.
Properties. The leaves generally contain a thick astringent mucilage,
with a little aroma, on which account many are considered pectoral and leni-
tive, especially Adiantum. pedatum and Capillus Veneris ; but almost any
others may be substituted for them. Capillaire is so called from being prepared
from the Adiantum Capillus Veneris, a plant which is considered to be un-
doubtedly pectoral and slightly astringent ; though its decoction, if strong, is,
according to Dr. Ainslie, a certain emetic. The Peruvian Poly podium Cala-
guala, Acrostichum Huacsaro, and Polypodium crassifolium, are said to be
possessed of important medicinal properties, especially the former ; their effects
are reported to be solvent, deobstruent, sudorific, and antirheumatic ; antivene-
real and febrifugal virtues are also ascribed to them. See the Pharmacopozia
Madritensis, 1792, and Lambert's Illustration of the Genus Cinchona, 114.
The leaves of Adiantum melanocaulon are believed to be tonic in India. Ains-
lie, 2. 215. The tubes of the pipes of the Brazilian negroes are manufactured
from the stalk of Mertensia dichotoma, which they call Samanbaya. Pr. Max.
Trav. 96. The bruised fronds of the fragrant Angiopteris evecta are employed
in the Sandwich Islands to perfume the Cocoa-nut oil. Polypodium phyma-
todes is also used for the same purposes. D'Urv. The stem is, on the con-
trary, both bitter and astringent ; whence that of many species, such as Aspi-
diurn Filix Mas, and Pteris aquilina, has been employed as an anthelmintic.
They have also been given as emmenagogues and purgatives. Osmunda
regalis has been employed successfully, in doses of 3 drachms, in the rickets.
The rhizoma of Aspidium Filix Mas has been analyzed, and found by M. Morin
to contain, 1st, volatile oil ; 2d, a fat matter composed of elaine and stearine ;
3d, gallic and acetic acids ; 4th, uncrystallisable sugar ; 5th, tannin ; 6th,
soap ; 7th, a gelatinous matter insoluble in water and in alcohol. It contains
also the subcarbonate, sulphate, and hydrochlorate of potash, carbonate and
phosphate of lime, alumine, silex, and oxyde of iron. Brewster, 2. 176. The
roots of Nephrodium esculentum are eaten in Nipal, according to Dr. Buchan-
an. Don Prodr. 6. Those of Angiopteris evecta are used for food in the
312
Sandwich Islands, under the name of Nehai. Diplazium esculenturn, Cyathea
medullaris, Pteiis escalenta, and Gleichenia dichotoma, are also occasionally
employed for food in different countries. Pteris aquilina and Aspidiam Filix
Mas have even been used in the manufacture of beer, and Aspidiurn fragrans
as a substitute for tea. Agdh. [Inf. seeds Botrych.]
Examples. Ferns have been divided into several sections, of which the
following are the most generally adopted :
I. PoLYPODIACEjE.
Gyratae, Swartz Syiiopsis Filicum, (1806). — Filices vers, Willd. Sp. Pi 5. 99.
(1810).— Polypodiaceae, R Brown Prodr. 145. (1810); Agardh Aph.
116. (1822) ; Kaulfuss Enumeration 55. (1824) ; Bory in Diet. Class. 6.
586. (1824.)
Thecal furnished with a vertical, usually incomplete, annulus ; bursting irre-
gularly and transversely. (Polypodium, Pteris, Adiantum.)
II. GLEICHENEjE.
Schismatopterides, Willd. I. e. 69. (1810).— Gleichenea?, JR. Br. I. c. 160.
(1810) ; Kaulfuss I. c. 36. (1824) ; Boryl. c. (1824.)
Thecal furnished with a transverse, occasionally oblique, annulus, nearly
sessile, and bursting lengthwise internally. (Platyzoma, Gleichenia, Merten-
sia.)
III. OsMUNDACEiE.
Osmundaceae, R. Br. I. c. 161. (1810) ; Agardh I, c. 115. (1822); Kaulfuss
I.e. 42. (1824); Bonjl. c. (1824.)
Thecae without any annulus, reticulated, striated with rays at the apex,
bursting lengthwise, and usually externally. (Osmunda, Schizaea, Lygo-
dium.)
IV. Dan.eace.9e.
Agyratae, Swartz Synops. (1806).— Poropterides, Willd. I. c. 66. (1810).—
Danaeacese, Agardh I. c. 117. (1822).— Marattiaceee, Kaulf. I. c. 31.
(1824); Boryl. c. (1824.)
Thecae sessile, without any ring, concrete into multilocular sub-immersed
masses, opening at the apex. (Marattia, Damea.)
V. Ophioglosse^e.
Ophioglosseae, R. Br. I. c. 163. (1810) ; Agardh Aph. 113. (1822) ; Kaulfuss
I. c. 24. (1824) ; Bory I. c. (1824.)
Thecae single, roundish coriaceous, opaque, without ring or cellular reticula-
tion, half 2-valved. Vernation straight. (Ophioglossum, Botrychium.)
To which Dr. Hooker adds :
Parkeriace,e.
Parkeriaceae, Hookey Exot. Fl. t. 147. (1825) ; t. 231. (1827); Hooker ei
Greville Icones Filicum, t. 97. (1828.)
Thecae scattered, sessile, marked with a broad, almost obsolete, very short
annulus, which is sometimes distinct and nearly complete. Sporules large,
3-cornered, striated. (Parkeria, Ceratopteris.)
313
CCLXV. LYCOPODIACE^E The Club-Moss Tribe.
Lycopodineje, Swartz Synopsis Filicum (1806) ; R. Brown Prodr. 164. (1810) ; Agardh Aph.
112. (1822); Grcvillc Flor. Edin. xii. (1824).— Lycopodiaceje, Uec.Fl.Fr. 2.571. (1815);
Ad. Brongn. in Diet. Class. 9. 561. (1826.)
Diagnosis. Flowerlcss plants, with the sporules enclosed in axillary thecse,
vernation circinate.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Often moss-like plants, with creeping' stems and imbricated leaves,
the axis abounding in annular ducts ; or stemless plants, with erect subulate leaves, and a solid
cormus. Organs of reproduction axillary sessile theca?, either bursting- by distinct valves, or
mdehiscent, and containing either minute powdery matter, or sporules, marked at the apex
with three minute radiating elevated ridges upon their proper integument.
Affinities. Intermediate as it were between Ferns and Coniferse on the
one hand, and Ferns and Mosses on the other ; related to the first of those
tribes in the want of stamens and pistils, and in the abundance of annular ducts
contained in their axis ; to the second in the aspect of the stems of some of the
larger kinds ; and to the last in their whole appearance, Lycopodiaceee are dis-
tinctly characterized by their organs of reproduction. These are generally
considered to be of two kinds, both of which are axillary and sessile, and have
from 1 to 3 regularly dehiscing valves, the one containing a powdery sub-
stance, the other bodies much larger in size, which have been seen to germi-
nate. In conformity with the theory, that all plants have stamens and pistils,
the advocates of that doctrine have found anthers in the former, and pistilla in
the latter ; but, as in other similar cases, this opinion is entirely conjectural, and
founded upon no direct evidence : all that we really know is, that the larger
bodies do germinate, and, if we are to credit Willdenow, the powdery particles
grow also. He says he has seen them. I think it is hardly to be doubted that
the latter are the abortive state of the former. According to Salisbury, in the
Linnozan Transactions, vol. 12. tab. 19. Lycopodium denticulatum emits two
cotyledons upon germinating ; but, supposing this observation, which requires
confirmation, to be exact, it is much more probable that the two little scales so
emitted are primordial leaves than analogous to cotyledons. The genus Isoetes
is by some referred to MarsileaceK, to which it forms a transition. I follow
Decandolle and Brongniart in referring it here. M. Delile has published an
account of the germination of Isoetes setacea, from which it appears that its
sporules sprout upwards and downwards, forming an intermediate solid body,
which ultimately becomes the stem, or cormus ; but it is not stated whether the
points from which the ascending and descending axes take their rise are uni-
form ; as no analogy in structure is discoverable between these sporules and
seeds, it is probable that they are not. M. Delile points out the great affinity
that exists between Isoetes and Lycopodium, particularly in the relative posi-
tion of the two kinds of reproductive matter. In Lycopodium, he says the pul-
verulent thecae occupy the upper ends of the shoots, and the granular thecal
the lower parts ; while, in Isoetes, the former are found in the centre, and the
latter at the circumference. If this comparison is good, it will afford some evi-
dence of the identity of nature of these theca^, and that the pulverulent ones are
at least not anthers, as has been supposed ; for in Isoetes the pulverulent inner
thecee have the same organization, even to the presence of what has been called
theh* stigma, as the outer granular ones ; so that, if Isoetes has stamens and.
pistils, it will offer the singular fact of its anther having a stigma.
50
314
Geography. It is the opinion of M. Ad. Brongniart, that in the earlier
ages of the world these plants attained a gigantic size, equalled only by the
timber-trees of our forests ; and it is certain that remains of what appear to
have been species of this tribe are abundant in the coal measures, along with
Ferns. At the present day they do not exceed the height of 2 or 3 feet in any
instance, and are visually weak, prostrate plants, having the habit of Mosses.
In geographical distribution they follow the same laws as Ferns, being most
abundant in hot humid situations in the tropics, and especially in small islands.
As they approach the north. they become scarcer ; but even in the climate of"
northern Europe, in Lapland itself, whole tracts are covered with Lycopodium
alpinum and Selaginoides.
Properties. Lycopodium clavatum and Selago excite vomiting ; the
powder contained in the thecal is highly inflammable, and is employed in the
manufacture of fireworks. According to M. Vastring, they are likely to be-
come of importance in dyeing. He asserts, that woollen cloths boiled with
Lycopodiums, especially with L, clavatum, acquire the property of becoming
blue when passed through a bath of Brazil wood. Lycopodium Phlegmaria is
reputed an aphrodisiac.
Examples. Isoetes, Lycopodium, Psilotum, Tmesipteris.
CCLXVI. MARSILEACEiE. The Pepperwort Tribe.
RmzocARpiE, Batsch. Tab. Aff. (1802); Agardh Apk. 111. (1822).— Rhizosperms, Roth. .'/
Fl. Fr. 3. 577. (1815).— Hydropterjdes, Willd. Sp. Pl.b. 534. (1810).— Maesileacejs.
R. Brown Prodr. 166 (1810); Grcv. Fl. Edinens. xii. (1824); Ad. Brongn. in Diet
Class. 10. 196.(1826); Dec. and Duby, 542. (1828).— Salvinieje, Juss. in Mir b. Elc-
mens, 853. (1815.)
Diagnosis. Flowerless plants, with their sporules enclosed in thecae, con-
tained within close involucra.
Anomalies.
Essential Character.— Creeping- or floating plants. Leaves either petiolate and divided
(or petioles destitute of lamina), rolled up in vernation, or imbricated and sessile. Reproduc-
tive organs enclosed in leathery or membranous involucra, and of two kinds, the one consist-
ing' of membranous sacs, containing a body or bodies, which germinate, the other of similar
sacs, containing' loose granules.
Affinities. It is probable that this tribe, as now constituted, comprehends
two exceedingly different forms of organization, of which one is represented by
Marsilea and Pilularia, and the other by Azolla and Salvinia. I follow M.
Adolphe Brongniart in this division, adopting from him many of the succeeding
observations.
The tribe to which Pilularia and Marsilea belong consists of creeping plants,
having the circulate vernation of Ferns, with their reproductive organs in inde-
hisccnt leathery cases, called involucra, springing either from the root, or from
the petioles of the leaves. These involucra arc separated internally by mem-
branous partitions, and contain oval bodies of two kinds, one of which has been
called anthers, and the other capsules.
Beautiful figures of Marsilea vestita and polycarpa have been published by
Messrs. Hooker and Greville, at t. 159 and 160 of their noble Icones Filicum,
From these it is clear that the involucrum of the genus consists of an involute
frond, of the same degree of analogy to the true frond as a carpellary leaf to a
true leaf. It further appears that the reproductive bodies arise from the veins
of this involute frond, and are therefore analogous, as to position, to the sori of
315
Ferns. What the nature of these bodii - may be is no! so obviou rhey arc
represented as being of two kinds, the first, called the capsule (?), being an
oval stalked case, having two integuments, of which the outer is reticulated and
hyaline, the inner oval, white, and opaque, with an apiculate tubercle at us
base, and containing corpuscles of two kinds, the one angular and very minute,
i he other much larger and roundish ; the second, much smaller bodies, called
the anthers (?), being little sacs filled with yellowish roundish granules, and
attached by fours to the stalk of the capsule.
The structure of Pilularia is of an analogous kind. The exact nature of the
parts called anthers is unknown ; from the name that has been given them, it has
been supposed that they were similar to the staminiferous apparatus of flowering
plants ; but this view is altogether gratuitous, and has- not been taken from any
direct evidence. It seems more probable that they are abortive sacs, analogous
to the larger bodies. With regard to the latter, M. A. Brongniart has the fol-
lowing passage : " Experiments made upon the germination of Salvinia and
Pilularia have long since shown that in these plants the larger globules were true
seeds ; and analogy permitted us to entertain the same belief in regard to Mar-
silea and Azolla ; but it remained to be proved that the other bodies were really
staminiferous organs, the action of which is necessary to fertilize the seeds.
This, Professor Savi, of Pisa, had appeared to have demonstrated. Salvinia
grows abundantly near that city, and there was no difficulty in procuring fresh
plants for the purpose of experiment. He put into different vessels, 1st, the
seeds alone ; 2d, the staminiferous globules alone ; and, 3d, both mixed. In the
first two vessels nothing appeared ; in the 3d, the seeds rose to the surface of
the water and fully developed. But M. G. L. Duverney has since published a
dissertation upon this plant, in which he states that, having repeated the expe-
riments of Savi, he has not obtained the same results, and that the seeds, when
separated from the supposed staminiferous organs, developed perfectly." I am
not acquainted with the particulars of these experiments, nor do I know with
what degree of care the exact mode of germination in Salvinia has been ob-
served ; but it appears more consonant to the analogical structure of other
plants, particularly of Ferns and Azolla, to consider the larger bodies, called
seeds by these observers, as thecse ; in which I am the more confirmed, by
finding it to be the view taken of their nature by Mr. Brown, and Drs. Hooker
and Greville.
In Salvinia and Azolla the vegetation is that of Mosses, or of Junger-
mannia, and the organs of reproduction are quite different. The latter consist
of two sorts of membranous bags, of which one contains bodies analogous to the
larger bodies, or thecre of Marsilea, and the other what have been considered
staminiferous organs. These, in Salvinia, have been described by Brongniart as
spherical grains, attached by long stalks to a central column, and much smaller
than what he calls the seeds ; their surface is reticulated in a similar manner,
and they only burst by the action of water. In Azolla, M. Bauer represents,
and Mr. Brown describes, them as from 6 to 9 in number, angular and inserted
upon a central body, occupying the upper half of the involucrum, the lower
being filled with a turbid fluid. If the real nature of these parts in Pilularia and"
Marsilea is involved in obscurity, that of the reproductive organs of Salvinia
and Azolla is still more mysterious. Mr. Brown, who had good opportunities
of studying Azolla in New Holland, with Mr. Ferdinand Bauer's acuteness and
profound knowledge of structure to assist him, could arrive at no certain conclu-
sion. The involute vernation of the leaves of some of these plants and their
involucrum being formed out of the involute frond, as in Ophioglossum, indicate
a close affinity to Ferns ; but the habit of Azolla is rather that of some Hepa-
ticse. Marsileaceae may be considered to occupy an intermediate position be-
tween these tribes. Authors have not stated whether ducts are to be found in
Pilularia, Salvinia, and Azolla ; they are present in abundance in Marsilea,
316
where I have seen them ; but they are so minute as to require to be magnified
200 times to be distinctly observed.
Geography. Of 20 species enumerated by writers, all are inhabitants of
ditches or inundated places, in various parts of the world. They do not appear
to be affected by climate so much as by situation, whence they have been de-
tected in various parts of Europe, Asia, Africa, and America ; chiefly, how-
ever, in temperate latitudes.
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. § 1. Marsileace^e, Ad. Brongn. in Diet. Class. 10. 196
(1826), Marsilea, Pilularia.
§ 2. Salvinie^e, Id. 1, c, Salvinia, Azolla,
317
Tribe II. MUSCOIDE^, or MOSS LIKE PLANTS.
Cellulares foliaceje, Dec. Theor. Elem. 249. (1819).— Pseudocotyledoneje, Class 1.
Agardh Aph. 103. (1822).— Heterenomea, Fries Syst. Orb. Veg. 33. (1825) in part.—
Acotyledones, Class 2. Ad. Brongniart in Diet. Class 5. 159. (1824). — Cryptogam ice,
2d Circle, T. F. L. Necs v. Esenbeck and Ebermaicr Handb. der Med. Bot. 1. 18. (1830.)
Diagnosis. Flowerless plants, with a distinct stem having no vascular
system, but frequently furnished with leaves ; their sporules having a proper
integument, and contained in distinct axillary, terminal, or superficial thecal.
These are altogether intermediate between the first and third families, and
are distinguishable essentially by their having a distinct axis of growth with-
out any vascular system ; they are connected with Marsileaceae by Junger-
mannia, and with Lichens by Riccia and Marchantia ; to Algre the transition
is by Characeffi, which have the evascular axis of Muscoidea?, with the habit
and propagating matter of Algae. Von Esenbeck and Ebermaier refer Chara-
ce33 to the next tribe, but their structure is scarcely reconcilable with the cha-
racter those authors give it, viz. " root, stem, and leaves, not separately formed ;
all analogy with plants of a higher organization is lost, and the green matter,
which is so characteristic of the vegetable kingdom, scarcely makes its appear-
ance," &c.
LIST OF THE ORDERS.
267. Musci. | 268. Hepatic©. | 269. Characea?.
C CLXVII. MUSCI. The Moss Tribe.
Mcsci, Juss. Gen. 10. (1789); Hedwig Dcscr. et Adumb. (1787-1797); Bridel Muscolug.
recentiorum (1797-1803) ; Hedw. Species Muscor. Frondos. (1801); Palisot Prodrome de*
5 el 6 Fam. dc VMthiogam. (1805); Bridel Suppl. (1806-1819); Weber Tabid. Muse,
Hornsrhuch, and Sturm, Bryolog. Germ. (1823) ; Grev. FI. Edin. xiii. (1824); Ad. Brongn.
in Diet. Class. 11. 248. (1827); Hooker Brit. Fl. 1. 459. (1830.)
Diagnosis. Flowerless plants, with the sporules contained in theca*, closed
by an operculum.
Anomalies. In Andrea;a the theca separates into 4 valves.
Essential Character. — Erect or creeping-, terrestrial or aquatic, cellular plants, having- a
distinct axis of growth, destitute of a vascular system, and covered with minute, imbricated,
entire, or serrated leaves. Reproductive organs of two kinds, viz. 1. Axillary bodies, cylindri-
cal or fusiform stalked scars, containing- a multitude of spherical or oval particles, which arc
emitted upon the application of water; 2. Theca-, hollow urn-like cases seated upon a setaor
stalk, covered by a membranous calyptra, closed by a lid or operculum, within which are one
or m rowsof cellular rigid processes, called collectively the pcrislomium, and separately
teeth, which are always some multiple of four, and combined in various degrees; I he centre .'.1
the theca: is occupied by an axis or columella, and the space between it and the sides of the
theca is filled with sporules. Sporules in germination protruding eonfervoid filaments, which
afterwards ramify, and form an axis of growth at the point of the ramifications
318
Affinities, These little plants, which form one of the most interesting
departments of Cryptogamic Botany, are distinctly separated from all the other
tribes by the peculiar structure of their reproductive organs, in which they re-
semble no others, except some Hepatic^, which, however, approach them in
this respect more in appearance than in reality. In their organs of vegetation
they are strikingly similar to many Lycopodiums, which are always to be
known by their vascular axis. The reproductive organs have been described
above as of two kinds. Those which are called axillary bodies have been
supposed to be anthers ; with how little reason will be clear from the following
extract from Dr. Greville and Mr. Arnott's excellent memoir, published in the
4th volume of the Transactions of the Wernerian Society, to which I refer
those who are desirous of minute information upon the structure and history of
Mosses :
" What the organs really are, in the plants under review, which the accu-
rate Hedwig so well figured and described under the name of stamens, we
leave to others to decide ; but we cannot help entering our protest against
those bodies called Stamina and Pistilla (the young theca1) being regarded in
a similar light with the same organs in more perfect plants. ' Though/ says
Sprengel, ' I have formerly been a zealous advocate for Hedwig's Theory of
the Fructification of JYlosses, it has nevertheless appeared to me an insur-
mountable objection, that the supposed anther can again produce buds and
strike roots, which is certainly the case with regard to the disks of Polytrichum
commune, Bartramia fontana, Bryum palustre, undulatum, cuspidatum, punc-
tatum, and with those of Tortula ruralis. In Bryum argenteum we see the
buds containing the supposed anthers constantly drop off, strike root, and pro-
duce new plants; this I have observed myself times out of number. Still
more in point is the experiment first made by David Meese, of sowing the stel-
lulse of Polytrichum commune, containing merely club-shaped bodies, when he
found that plants came up, which in their turn produced fruit. Another excel-
lent naturalist, Dr. Roth, has made similar observations with regard to Hyp-
num squarrosum and Bryum argenteum.' He afterwards adds, — ' It is more
probable, therefore, that these supposed anthers are gemmae, produced by the
superabundance of the juices, and hence surrounded by succulent filaments.'"
It is not necessary to adopt the exact conclusion at which the learned bota-
nist, whose opinions are thus quoted, arrived, to decide that these axillary bo-
dies are not stamens. He has not expressed himself in regard to their nature
very clearly, or perhaps he has been mistranslated; but this is of little conse
quence compared with the ascertained fact, that, be they what they may, they
are not anthers. Nevertheless, in the face of this evidence, M. Adolphc Brong-
niart retains a belief in the sexuality of Mosses, and in the slaminiferous func-
tions of the axillary bodies; and he says, with justice, that it appears from Mi-
Brown's mode of describing Mosses, that he entertains a similar opinion. It is
to be hoped that these distinguished botanists will some day favour us with a
statement of the evidence upon which I heir decision has been taken; for it is
to be presumed that something beyond the conjectures advanced in the article
Mousses in the Diclionnaire Classiqne, weighs down the positive testimony
of those who have seen the germination of the powder in the axillary bodies
Whether or not they can be called gemma?, will depend upon the sense in
which that term is employed.
With regard to the theca there is now no difference of opinion, cither as to
its containing sporules, or as to the general nature of its organization. But 1
am not aware that any one has ever attempted to explain the analogy of its
structure until I ventured to introduce the subject very briefly into my Outline
of the First Principles of Botany. That perfect unity of design, which is
visible in all parts of the vegetable creation, and the constant adherence to the
319
construction of every organ of plants, except thi 3tem out of modified leaves,
seemed to be deviated from in the Cryptogamic class generally, and in Mosses
in particular. An uninitiated person, reading the definition of a genus of
Mosses, might suppose that it was in that tribe that the approach to the ani-
mal creation, of which so much has been said, takes place. Unacquainted with
the exact meaning of the Latin words employed by Cryologists, he might un-
derstand by the peristomium a jaw, by the calyptra a nightcap, and by the
struma a kind of goitre ; and when he saw that teeth belonged to this jaw, he
would naturally conclude that it was really a vegeto-animal of which he was
reading. Struck with the evident absurdity of giving such names to parts of
plants, without at the same time explaining their real nature, I ventured to call
the attention of naturalists to the subject by the following paragraph in the lit-
tle book above referred to.
"539. The calyptra may be understood to be a convolute leaf; the opercu-
lum another; the peristomium one or more whorls of minute flat leaves; and
the theca itself to be the excavated distended apex of the stalk, the cellular
substance of which separates in the form of sporules."
It is now time to show upon what evidence and reasoning this hypothesis
may be sustained. Every one agrees in describing tire calyptra as a membrane
arising from between the leaves and the base of the young theca, and as en-
veloping the latter, but having no organic connexion with it : when the stalk
of the theca lengthens, no corresponding extension of the parts of the calyptra
takes place; so that it must be either ruptured at its apex (as in Jungermannia),
or at the base ; and in the latter case it would necessarily be carried up upon
the tip of the theca, which it originally enveloped. Now, what can be more
reasonable than that such an organ, situated as I have described it to be, should
be one of the last convolute' leaves of the axis which the theca terminates,
bearing the same relation to the latter as the convolute bractea to the flower of
Magnolia, or, to speak more precisely still, as the calyptriform bractea^ to the
flower of Pileanthus 1 If the calyptra be anatomically examined, especially
in such genera as Tortula and Dicranum, no difference in its tissue and that of
the leaves will be observable ; and that very common tendency to dehisce on
one side only as the diameter of the theca increases, which characterizes the
dimidiate calyptra, may not unreasonably be understood to be the separation at
the line where the margins of the supposed leaf united ; in the mitriform ca-
lyptra this separation at a given line does not take place, and the consequence
is an irregular laceration of its base. The analogy of the calyptra being of this
nature, the next inference would naturally be, that the part it contains is analo-
gous to a flower-bud. Upon this supposition, the external series of parts belong-
ing to this supposed bud would be the operculum ; the adhesion of this to the
theca, which would answer to the apex of the axis, or to the tube of the calyx of
flowering plants, would be analogous to that which obtains in Eucalyptus, or per-
haps more exactly to that of Eschscholtzia ; but it would remain to determine of
how many parts, in a state of cohesion, it was made up. In the paragraph
above quoted, it is stated to be one only ; but I confess I have no better reason
to offer for this than the absence of any trace of division upon its surface or in
the substance of its tissue, and also perhaps the apparent identity of nature be-
tween it and the calyptra when both are young, in (he Tori ula and Dicranum
genera already cited. With regard to the peristomium, 1 would beg attention
to the following particulars: The teeth, as they are called, occupy one or
more whorls ; they are evidently not mere lacerations of a membrane, because
they are in a constant and regular number in each genus, and that number is
universally some multiple of 4, as the floral leaves of flowering plants are ordi-
narily of 3, 4, or 5 ; they have the power of contracting an adhesion with each
other by their contiguous margins, as the floral leaves of flowering plants ; they
320
alter their position from being inflexed with their points to the axis, to being re-
curved with their points turned outwards, — exactly what happens in flowering
plants ; the teeth of the inner peristomium often alternate with those of the
outer, thus conforming to the law of alternation prevalent in the floral leaves
of flowering plants ; and, finally, if we compare the various states of the
leaves of Buxbaumia aphylla with the teeth of Mosses, it is impossible not to
be struck with the great similarity in the anatomical structure of the two,
These are the considerations which have led me to the conclusion, that the
calyptra, the operculum, and the teeth of Mosses, are all modified leaves ; and
hence that the theca is to be considered more analogous to a flower than to a
seed-vessel. With regard to the membrane, or epiphragma, which occasion-
ally closes up the orifice of the theca, it may be considered as formed by the
absolute cohesion of the leaves of the peristomium, just as the operculum of
Eudesmia is formed by the cohesion of the petals ; and this is confirmed, first,
by Calymperes, in which the membrane ultimately separates into teeth, and
by the fact that the horizontal membrane exists more perfectly in such genera
as Polytrichum and Lyellia, in which there is no distinct peristomium. It now
remains to explain the internal structure of the theca consistently with the
theory that has been advanced of the peristomium, operculum, and calyptra.
I consider the theca to be merely the thickened apex of the arxis, the sporules
to be a partial dissolution of its cellular tissue, and the columella to be the un-
converted centre. That the end of the axis of plants frequently becomes
much more incrassated than the theca of Mosses, requires no illustration for
those who are acquainted with the spongy receptacle of Nelumbium, Rubus,
and Fragraria, the dilated disk of Ochna, the curious genus Eschscholtzia, or
Rosa, or Calycanthus, or, finally, the spadix of Arums. That the tissue is
frequently separated by nature for particular purposes, is proved by the produc-
tion of pollen out of the cellular tissue of an anther, and by the general law
of propagation that seems to prevail in flowerless plants, as Ferns, Lichens,
Algee, and Fungi ; the same phenomenon may be therefore expected in
Mosses. That the columella should be left in this dissolution of the tissue
might be expected, from its being a continuation of the seta or axis of de-
velopement, the tissue of which is more compact, and of course less Hable to
separation, than the looser tissue that surrounds it ; this is analogous to the
separation of the pollen from the connectivum of most plants, or from parts
only of the anther of all those genera which, like Viscum iEgiceras, or Raffle-
sia, have what, are called cellular anthers ; and to the very common separation
of the placenta, or a portion of it, from the dissepiments, as in Bignoniacea',
Ericeae, and many others. That it is presumptuous in me, who lay no claim
to reputation as a Cryptogamic botanist, to offer any opinion upon plants I
have only occasionally studied, I am fully sensible ; but I hope for the indul-
gence of the skilful Cryptogamist, in consideration of this having been the first
attempt to call his attention to the inquiry.
Cteography. Mosses are found in all parts of the world where the atmo-
sphere is humid ; but they are far more common in temperate climates than in
the tropics. They are among the first vegetables that clothe the soil with
verdure in newly-formed countries, and they are the last that disappear when
the atmosphere ceases to be capable of nourishing vegetation. The first green
crust upon the cinders of Ascension was minute Mosses, they form more than
a quarter of the whole Flora of Melville Island, and the black and lifeless soil
of New South Shetland is covered with specks of Mosses struggling for ex-
istence. How they find their way to such places, and under what laws they
are created, are mysteries that human ingenuity has not yet succeeded in un-
veiling. About 800 species are known,
321
Properties. The slight astringency of Polylrichum and others caused
them to be formerly employed in medicine, but they are now disused. In the
economy of man they perform but an insignificant part ; but in the economy of
nature, how vast an end !
Examples. There is no settled arrangement of the genera, almost every
writer having a method of his own. Much merit is due to several, especially
to that of Greville and Arnott, published in the Wernerian Transactions, vols.
4 and 5.
Sphagnum, Hypnum, Bryum, Fontinalis, Gymnostomum, Dawsonia, We-
issia, Phascum.
CCLXVIII. HEPATICyE. The Liver-wort Tribe.
Hepatic*, Juss. Gen. 7. (1789) ; Dec. Fl. Fr.2. 415. (1815) ; Agardh Aph. 104.(1822); Gre-
ville Flora Edin. xv. (1S24) ; Fee in Diet. Class. 8. 131. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Flowerless terrestrial plants, with their sporules contained in
dehiscent thecae, destitute of an operculum.
Anomalies; Riccia has indehiscent fruit immersed in the substance of the
frond.
Essential Character. — Plants growing on the earth or trees in damp places, composed
entirely of cellular tissue, emitting- roots from their under-side, and consisting of an axis or
stem, which is either furnished with leaves, or leafless, and then bordered by a membranous
expansion; these expansions sometimes unite at their margins, so as to form a broad lobed
thallus. Reproductive organs of several kinds ; either a 1- 2- or 4-valved theca, supported
upon a membranous peduncle, covered when young by a leaf, through which it afterwards
protrudes, and often containing spiral fibres, called Elateres, within which the sporules are
intermixed; or a peltate stalked receptacle, bearing theca? on its under surface; or sessile
naked theca, either immersed or superficial. Besides these there are in Jungermannia " mi-
nute, spherical, membranous, reticulated bodies, supported upon short white peduncles."
{Grev.) ; in Marchantia, " peltate receptacles, plane on the upper surface, and having oblong
bodies imbedded in the disk ;" and also " little open cups, sessile on the upper surface, and
containing minute gteen bodies (gemma?) which have the power of producing new plants,
as well as the sporules ;" and in Anthoceros, " small cup-shaped receptacles, containing mi-
nute, spherical, pedunculated, reticulated bodies."
Affinities. The structure of the reproductive organs of this order is so
exceedingly variable that no common character seems deducible from them ;
nor has it been found possible either to determine what analogy exists between
the organs, or even to decide what their respective functions are. What are
here called the thecee are considered to be the cases of the sporules, properly
so called, but the other bodies are of a more doubtful kind. Those who have
sought for stamens and pistils in Ciyptogamous plants have naturally taken
the imbedded oblong bodies of Marchantia, and the pedunculated reticulated
ones of Jungermannia, for anthers ] but Dr. Hooker, in his beautiful Mono-
graph of the latter genus, and also in his British Flora (p. 459.), is evidently
unsatisfied as to their nature. Dr. Greville, in the Flora Edinensis, the most
useful and original work upon British Cryptogamic plants that we yet possess,
is clearly in a similar state of uncertainty ; and Agardh admits nothing more
in them than a resemblance to staminiferous organs, adopting the opinion that
they are a particular form of gemmules. The bodies lying in the cup-shaped
receptacles of Anthoceros have been said to be anthers, but upon no good evi-
dence. In Jungermannia there is a third kind of reproductive matter, consist-
ing of heaped clusters of little amorphous bodies, growing from the surface of
the leaves, and called gemma?.
51
322
The most remarkable point of structure in Hepaticee is the spiral filament, as
it is called, lying among the sporules within the theca. This consists- of a
single fibre, or of two, twisted spirally in different directions, so as to cross each
other, and contained within a very delicate, transparent, perishable tube. They
have a strong elastic force, and have been supposed to be destined to aid in the
dispersion of the sporules, — a most inadequate end for so curious and unusual
an apparatus. It is more probable that they are destined to fulfil, in the econo-
my of these plants, some function of which we have no knowledge. Hepa-
ticse are intermediate between Mosses and Lichens, agreeing with the former in
the presence of a distinct axis of growth, and frequently of leaves also, and in
most cases in the sporules being contained in stalked thecs, having a calyptra
and a definite mode of dehiscence. Fee says they have no calyptra, which must
have been an oversight. They differ from Mosses in the want of an operculum,
by which Andraea, which forms the link between Hepaticse and Mosses, is re-
ferred to the latter. Lichens are distinguished by their want of a distinct axis
of growth, by their texture and color, never assuming the rich lucid green of
Hepatic^, and by their sporules not being contained in distinct thecal, but lying
in membranous tubes or asci in the substance of the- thallus. Riccia and
Endocarpus form the connexion between them.
Geography. Natives of damp shady places in all climates; two were
found in Melville Island. The only atmospheric condition to which they can-
not submit is excessive dryness : thus, of the 237 species enumerated by
Sprengel, 6 only are found in Africa, while 50 are cited from Java alone.
Properties. Nothing is known of them. Decandolle thinks it probable
that the larger kinds will be found to resemble foliaceous Lichens in their qua-
lities. A few are slightly fragrant.
Examples. Marchantia, Targionia, Sphasrocarpus, Jungermannia.
CCLXIX. CHARACE.E. The Chara Tribe.
Characeje, Rich, el Kunth in Humb. ct Bonpl. N. G. PL 1.45. (1815) ; A. Brongn. in Did.
Class. 3. 474. (1823); Grev. Fl. Edin. xvii. (1824); Dec. and Duby, 533. (1828): Hooker
Brit.Fl. 459. (1830.)
Diagnosis. Submersed leafless water-plants, having slender verticillale
branches and deciduous thecee.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Plants composed of an axis, consisting- of parallel tubes, which
are either transparent or encrusted with carbonate of lime, and of regular whorls of tubes,
which may be either considered as leaves or branches. Organs of reproduction, round succu-
lent globules, containing filaments and fluid ; and axillary nucules, formed of a few short
tubes, twisted spirally around a centre, which has the power of germinating.
Affinities. The two genera of which this little order is composed are
among the most obscure of the vegetable kingdom, in regard to the nature of
their reproductive organs ; and accordingly we find them, under the common
name of Chara, placed by Linnaeus among Cryptogamous plants near Lichens ;
then referred by the same author to Phamogamous plants, in Monoecia Monan-
dria ; retained by Jussieu and Decandolle among Naiades, by Mr. Brown at the
end of Hydrocharidese, and by Leman in Haloragese ; referred to Confervas by
VonMartius, Agardh, and Wallroth ; and finally admitted as a distinct order,
upon the proposition of Richard, by Kunth, Decandolle, Adolphe Brongniart,
Greville, Hooker, and others. Such being the uncertainty about the place of
323
these plants, it will be useful to give rather a detailed account of their
stmcture, in which 1 avail myself chiefly of Ad. Brongniart's remarks in the
place above referred to, and of Agardh's observations in the Jinn, des Sciences,
4. 61. I have not seen Professor Nees v. Esenbeck's monograph of Characeee
in the Transactions of the Ralisbon Society, quoted by the latter author.
Characeee are aquatic plants, found in stagnant fresh or salt water ; always
submersed, giving out a fetid odour, and having a dull greenish color. Their
sterns are regularly branched, brittle, and surrounded here and there by whorls
of smaller branches. In Nitella the stem consists of a single transparent tube
with transverse partitions, and, as Agardh remarks, so like the tubes of some
Algae, as to offer a strong proof of the affinity of the orders. In Chara, proper-
ly so called, there are, in addition to this tube, many other external ones, much
smaller, which only cease to cover the central tube towards the extremities. In
the axillae of the uppermost whorls of these branchlets the organs of repro-
duction take their origin ; they are of two kinds, one called the nucule, the
other the globule ; the former has been supposed to be the pistillum, the latter
the anther.
The nucule is described by Dr. Greville as being " sessile, oval, solitary,
spirally striated, having a membranous covering, and the summit indistinctly
cleft into 5 segments ; the interior is filled with with minute sporules." Fl.
Edin. xvii. This is the general opinion entertained of its structure. But Ad.
Brongniart describes it thus . — " Capsule unilocular, monospermous ; pericarp
composed of two envelopes ; the outer membranous, transparent, very thin,
terminated at the upper end by 5 spreading teeth ; the inner hard, dry, opaque,
formed of 5 narrow valves, twisted spirally ." Diet. Class. 1. c, He founds
his opinion of the nucule containing but one germinating body upon the experi-
ments of M. Vaucher, of GJeneva, who ascertained that if ripe nucules of Chara,
which have fallen naturally in the autumn, are kept through the winter in
water, they will germinate about the end of April; at that time a little body
protrudes from the upper end between the £ valves, and gradually gives birth
to one whorl of branches, which produce a second. Below these whorls the
stem swells, and little tufts of roots are emitted. The nucule adheres for a
long time to the base of the stem, even when the fatter has itself begun to
fructify. Hence it is reasonable to conclude that the nucule is really mono-
spermous. M. Brongniart remarks, that it is true, when a fresh nucule of
Chara is cut across, an infinite number of little white grains are squeezed out ;
but if these were really all reproductive particles, how would they ever find
their way out of the nucule, which is indehiscent? He considers them rather of
the nature of albumen ; and he is the more confirmed in his opinion, because
in Pilularia, the thecae of which also contain many similar grains, but one plant
is produced by each theca. Finally, Amici has described (Ann. des Sc. 2.)
the "nucule in another way. He admits it to be monospermous, but he considers
the points of the 5 valves to be stigmata, and the valves themselves to be at
once pericarp and style. It is not worth entering into any discussion upon the
reasonableness of such a supposition, as it is not likely to find any advocates
among botanists ; but I may observe, that Arnici's observations seem to show
that the 5 valves of the nucule, as they are called, are a verticillus of leaves,
straight at first, and twisted afterwards ; and that the nucule itself is, therefore,
analogous to the bud of flowering plants.
The globule is described by Dr. Greville as " a minute round body, of a reddish
colour, composed externally of a number of triangular (always?) scales, which
separate and produce its dehiscence. The interior is filled with a mass of elas-
tic transversely undulate filaments. The scales are composed of radiating hol-
low tubes, partly filled with minute coloured spherical granules, which freely
escape from the tubes when injured," Vaucher describes them as " tubercles
324
formed externally of a reticulated transparent membrane, containing, in the
midst of a mucilaginous fluid, certain white transparent filaments, and some
other cylindrical bodies, closed at one end, and appearing to open at the other.
These latter are filled with the red matter to which the tubercles owe their
colour, and which disappears readily and long before the maturity of the
nucule." The account of the globule by Agardh is at variance with both these.
" Their surface," he remarks, " is hyaline, or colourless ; under this membrane
is observed a red and reticulated or cellular globe, which has not, however,
always such an appearance ; often, instead of this reticulated aspect, the globe
is colourless, but marked by rosettes or stars, the rays of which are red or lance-
olate. In the figures given by authors, one finds sometimes one of these forms,
sometimes the other. I have myself found them both on the same species ;
and T am disposed to believe that the last state is the true kernel of the
globule, concealed under the reticulated scale. (When the globule is veiy
ripe, one may often succeed, by means of a slight degree of pressure, in sepa-
rating it into several valves, as is very well shown in Wallroth's figures, tab. 2.
f. 3. and tab.»5. These valves are rayed, and no doubt answer to the stars, of
which mention has been made.) The kernel contains some very singular fila-
ments ; they are simple (T once thought I saw them forked,) curved and inter-
laced, transparent and colourless, with transvere striae, parallel and closely
packed, as in an Oscillatoria or Nostoc ; but what is very remarkable, they
are attached, several together, to a particular organ formed like a bell, which
is itself also colourless, but filled with a red pigment. This bell, to the
base of which on the outside they are fixed, differs a little in form in different
species. It is slender and long in Chara vulgaris, thicker in C. firma, shorter
in C. delicatula, and shorter still in C. collabens. I have not succeeded in de^
termining the exact position of these bells in the kernel. I have often thought
they were the same thing as the rays of the rosettes or stars upon the globule
above mentioned ; whence it would follow that they are placed near the sur-
face, while the filaments have a direction towards the centre. The bells are
not numerous ; they often separate from the filaments, and readily part with
their pigment, which renders it difficult to observe them, and has caused them
to be overlooked." ThaJ these globules, whatever their nature may be, have
no sort of analogy in structure with anthers, is clear from these descriptions,
whichever may be eventually admitted. Wallroth, indeed, says he has sown
them, and that they have germinated ; but this observation requires to be
verified.
It does not appear from the preceding descriptions that Chara has a marked
affinity to any other plants. I incline to the opinion of those who consider it
near Confervae, chiefly on account of the organization of the stems ; for it
does not seem that the reproductive organs of flowerless plants aie of the
same degree of importance in deciding affinities as the fructification of flower-
ing plants. Its total want of vascular system renders it impossible to adopt
the opinion of those who would place it near Ferns next to Marsileaceas, and
the regularity with which all the parts are formed round a common axis renders
it equally impossible to refer it absolutely co the leafless section. I therefore
place it on the limits of the latter, among Muscoideee.
There are two other points deserving of attention in Characere : 1st the cal-
careous incrustation of some species ; and 2dly, the visible and rapid motion of
the sap in the articulations of the stem.
Of the two genera, Nitella is transparent and free from all foreign matter ;
but Chara contains, on the outside of its central tube, a thick layer of calca^
reous matter, which renders it opaque. This incrustation appears, from the
observations of Dr. Greville {Fl. Edin. 281), not to be a deposit upon the out-
side, and of an adventitious nature, but the result of some peculiar economy in
325
the plant itself; and according to Dr. Brewster, It is analogous to the siliceous
deposit in Equisetum, exhibiting similar phenomena.
Whatever is known of the motions of the fluids of vegetables has been neces-
sarily a matter of inference, rather than the result of direct observation ; for who
could ever actually see the sap of plants move in the vessels destined to its con-
veyance % It is true that it was known to botanists that a certain Abbe Corti
of Lucca, had, in 1774, published some remarkable observations upon the cir-
culation of fluid in some aquatic plants, and that the accuracy of this state-
ment had been confirmed by Dr. Treviranus so long ago as 1817 ; but the fact
does not seem to have attracted general attention until the publication, by
Amici, the celebrated professor at Modena, of a memoir in the 18th volume of
the Transactions of the Italian Society, which was succeeded by another in
the 19th. From all these observers it appears, that if the stems of any trans-
parent species of Cham, or of any opaque one, the incrustation of which is
removed, are examined with a good microscope, a distinct current will be seen
to take place in every tube of which the plant is composed, setting from the
base to the apex of the tubes, at the rate, in Chara vulgaris, of about two lines
per minute (v. Ann. des Sc. 2. 51. line 9) ; and according to Treviranus this
play is at any time destroyed by the application of a few drops of brandy, by
pressure, or by any laceration of the tube. This is the nature of the singular
phenomena which are to be seen in Characese, and which become the more
interesting because they are not to be found in any other water-plants, with the
exception of Naias and Caulinia. Those who are anxious to become acquainted
with the details of Amici's observations will find his first paper translated in
the Annates de Cliimie, 13. 3S4, and his second in the Ann, des Sc. 2. 41 ; that
of Treviranus is to be found in the latter work, 10. 22. According to the last
named author, these facts lead to the conclusion that there is a primitive vitality
in amorphous organic matter, which is antecedent to the formation of all
organic beings, and is in its turn produced by them, to serve, according to cir-
cumstances, either for the support or enlargement of the individual, or for the
production of a new organization. This vitality is manifested in movements
which may appear to take place without rule or object, but which are differ-
ently modified, according to the differences of organic bodies ; all which seems
to show that the vital principle is originally susceptible of a variety of modiflca
tions, without having occasion for the assistance of organs of va'rious forms or
structure.
Geography. The creation of plants of this order would appear to have
been of a very recent date, compared with that of Ferns and Palms, or even
Algze, if we are to judge by their fossil remains, which are found for the first
time in the lower fresh water formation, along with numerous Dicotyledonous
plants resembling those of our own times. In the recent Flora, of the world
they make their appearance every where in stagnant waters, in Europe, Asia,
and Africa, in North and South America, in New Holland, and in either India.
They are most common in temperate countries,
Properties. Unknown.
Examples. Nitella, Chara.
Tribe III. APHYLLjE, or LEAFLESS FLOWERLESS
PLANTS.
Acotyledones, Agardh Aph. 72. (1821). — Homonemea, Fries. Syst. Orb. P<?g\ 33. (1825). — ■
.Acotyledones, Class 1. Ad. Brongn. in Diet. Class (1824). — Cryptogamice, 3d Circle,
T. F. L. Nees v. Escnbeck und Ebermaier Handb. der Med. Bot. 1. 18. (1830.)
Diagnosis. Flowerless, leafless plants, destitute of vascular tissue, with
no distinct axis of growth, the sporules simple and lying naked in the substance
of the plant.
In this tribe we have arrived at the limits which separate the vegetable from
the animal kingdom. We have not only passed beyond the dominion of the
stamens and pistils, but we have no longer any trace, however ambiguous, of
more than one form of reproductive matter. It is even uncertain whether this
matter will reproduce its like, and whether it is not a mere representation of
the vital principle of vegetation capable of being called into action either as a
Fungus, an Alga, or a Lichen, according to the particular conditions of heat,
light, moisture, and medium, in which it is placed ; producing Fungi upon
dead or putrid organic beings ; Lichens upon living vegetables, earth, or
stones ; and Alga? where water is the medium in which it is developed. The
nearest approach to animals is in the tribes of Algae called Anthrodieae and
Chaoduieaa, where it is perhaps impossible to decide whether some of the spe-
cies are not actually animalcules.
It is not easy to settle the limits of the orders of this part of vegetation.
Linnaeus and Jussieu had but two divisions, viz., Alga?, including Lichens and
Fungi ; and they have been followed by some modern botanists, particularly
Fries and Wahlenberg. Others have been satisfied with separating the Lichens
from Algae, which, indeed, was virtually done by most of those who acknow^
ledged but two divisions, and with admitting three equally distinct groups.
Borne, on the contrary, have sought to multiply them, as Decandolle and others,
by introducing a tribe called Hypoxyla ; Dr. Greville by adopting the latter,
Gastromyci, Byssoideae, and Epiphytae, and proposing a new group under the
name of Chaetophoroideae ; and finally, M. Adolphe Brongniart, who carries
the number of groups in this division of Acotyledones as far as 12, viz. Li-
chens, Hypoxyla, Fungi, Lycopodiacere, Mucedinea;, Uredineee, Fucacere, U1-.
vaceae, Ceramiaceae, Confervae, Chaodineae, and Arthrodieae ; part of which
have originated with himself, and others with M. Bory de St. Vincent. I think,
however, in the present state of our knowledge, it will be more prudent to ad-
mit only the three principal groups adopted by Agardh and Hooker ; and even
these are distinguishable by their general habit rather than by any very posi-
tive character of structure. Thus, Lichens are aerial plants, with distinct
spaces upon their surface, in which their sporules are contained ; Fungi differ
from Lichens only in their fugacity and want of external receptacles 'of spo-.
rules ; while Alga; are all aquatic.
The structure of leafless plants is among the most important subjects of
contemplation for those who wish to become acquainted with the exact laws
of vegetation. They represent the organized matter, of which all other plants
are composed, both in its simplest state and when it begins to enter into a
state of high composition. In short, it is here only that the physical properties
of vegetable matter can be usefully studied.
327
LIST OF THE ORDERS.
270. Lichenes. | 271. Fungi. | 272. Algae.
CCLXX. LICHENES. The Lichen Tribe.
Alge, §3. Lichenes, Juss. Gen. 6. (1789.)— Lichenes, Hojm. Enumerat. Lichenum, (1784) ;
Acharius Prodr. Lichen. (1798); Id. Me t hodus, (1803) ; Id. Lichcnogr.Univers. (1810);
Dec. Fl. Fr. 2. 321. (1815) ; Fries in Act. Holm. (1821 ) ; Agardk Aph. 39, (1821) ; Eschweiler
Syst.Lich. (1824); WaUroth JS'aturgesch. der FLcchten. (1824); Grev. Flora Edin. xix. (1824);
Meyer iibcr d>c Entuickelung, <$*c. der Flecht. (1825); Fee Meth. Lich. (1825); Fries
Syst. Orb. Vcg. 224 (1825) ; Murtius in Bot. Zeitung, 193. (1826) ; Fee in Diet. Class 9, 360.
(1826);— Hypoxyla. in part, Dec. Fl. Fr. 2, 280 (1815); Grev.Fl. Edin. xx. (1824).— Gra-
fhidejE, ChevaJ.lier' Hist, des Graphidees, (1824, &c.)
Diagnosis. Aerial, leafless, flowerless, perennial plants, with a distinct
thallus, and external disk containing sporules.
Anomalies.
Essential Character. — Perennial plants, often spreading1 over the surface of the earth,
or rocks or trees in dry places, in the form of a lobed and foliaceous, or hard and crustaceous,
or leprous substance, called a thallus. This thallus is formed of a cortical and medullary
layer, of which the former is simply cellular, the latter both cellular and filamentous ; in the
crustaceous species the cortical and medullary layer differ chiefly in texture, and in the for-
mer being coloured, the latter colourless ; but in the fruticulose or foliaceous species, the me-
dulla is distinctly floccose, in the latter occupying the lower half of the thallus, in the former
enclosed all round by the cortical layer. Reproductive matter of two kinds ; 1, sporules lying1
in membranous tubes, (thecal) immersed in nuclei of the medullary substance, which burst
through the cortical layer, and colour and harden by exposure to the air in the form of little
disks called shields ; 2, the separated cellules of the medullary layer of the thallus.
Affinities. According1 to Fries, Lichens are types of Alg& born in the
air, interrupted in their developement by the deficiency of water, and stimulated
into forming a nucleus (or receptacle of sporules) by light. No Lichen is ever
submersed ; there is none of which the vegetation is not interrupted by the
variable hygrometrical state of the atmosphere ; and, finally, none that ever
developes in mines, caverns, or places deprived of light. On this account,
their shields are more rare in the fissures of mountains, or in shady groves,
than in places fully exposed to light. In wet places, also, their shields are not
produced ; for so long as they are under the influence of water they are hardly
distinguishable from Hj'drophycaj (forms of Alga?) ; as, for instance, Collema,
&c. But these plants, when exposed to the sun, do perfect their shields, as is
found by Nostoc Lichenoides, foliaceum, &c, which, when dry, are ascertained
to be Collema limosum, flaccidum, &c, surcharged with water. By being ac-
quainted with this rule, the same author says, he has succeeded in discovering
many Swedish Lichens with shields, which have for many years been constantly
found sterile ; as Parmelia conoplea, lanuginosa, gelida, <fcc. ; and he even
asserts that he has succeeded artificially in inducing sterile Lichens to become
fruitful, as Usnea jubata, and others. Plant. Horn. 224. Lichens consist,
according to Eschweiler, of a medullary and a cortical layer of tissue, of
which the former is imperfectly cellular or filamentous, and bursts through
the latter in the form of shields (apothecia), which contain a nucleus, consist-
ing of a flocculose-gelatinous substance, among which lie the cases of sporules.
These cases (thecal) are transparent membranous tubes, either simple or com-
posed of several placed end to end, which either lie free in the nucleus, or are
themselves contained in other membranous cases (asci). In the beginning
328
Lichens are stated to be in all cases developed in humidity, and to be, in fact, at
that time, mere Phyceaj or Confervas ; but as soon as the humidity diminishes,
the under part dies, and an inert leprous crust is formed, which ultimately
becomes the basis of the plant. Hence Lichens consist of two distinct sorts of
tissue, — living cellules forming the vegetating part, and dead cellules the cohe-
sion of which is lost ; when separate, the former is Palmella botryoides, and
the latter Lepraria. Of these two sorts of matter, the leprous is incapable of
perpetuating the Lichen, while every part of the living stratum has been ascer-
tained to become reproductive matter. See Fries, as above quoted, and Meyer
Ueber die Entwickelung, fyc. der Flechten. The investigations of the latter
are exceedingly interesting. By sowing Lichens, he arrived at some curious
conclusions, the chief of which are, that, like other imperfect plants, they may
owe their origin either to an original elementary, or to a reproductive genera-
tion— {he latter by the creation of parts capable of developemen* in conformity
to the plant by which they are borne ; that decomposed vegetable, and some
inorganic, matter, are equally capable of assuming organization under the influ-
ence of water and light ; and that the pulverulent matter of Lichens is that
which is subject to this kind of indefinite propagation, while the sporules lying
in the shields are the only part that will really multiply the species- He fur-
ther says, that he has ascertained, by means of experiments from seed, that
supposed species, and even some genera of Acharius, are all forms of the same ;
as, for instance, Lecanora cerina, Lecidea luteo-alba, and others of the com-
mon Parmelia parietina. As these remarks have not been, as far as I
know, contradicted, they may now be considered established facts.
Agardh considers Lichens more nearly allied to Fungi than to Alga? : he
remarks, that if Sphrerias or Pezizas had a thallus, they would be Lichens,
and that the same part is all that determines such genera as Calycium, Verru-
caria, or Opegrapha to be Lichens, and not Fungi. He adds, that all the transi-
tions from Algae to the state of Lichens, which have been detected by modern
inquirers, are mere degenerations into the form of the Lichen tribe, and by no
mesns into Lichens themselves.
With regard to the arrangement of the genera of Lichens, that of Acharius-
has been adopted by lichenologists of this country, and of most others ; but,
which is remarkable, not in Sweden ; and it seems probable, from the investi-
gations that have lately been instituted, that this celebrated s}7stem will, like
the more general one of Linnaeus, be wholly abandoned. In its room, every
writer upon Lichens has proposed a new one of his own ; Meyer, Eschweiler,
Wallroth, Agardh, Fries, Chevalier, Fee, have each brought forward methods
of arrangement, of which it may be said, without disparagement to any of
them, that it is impossible at present to say which will be eventually adopted.
The only point to which it is further necessary to advert, is the separation of
the tribe called Hypoxyla from Lichens. In part, this is composed of Ope-
grapha and other Lichenoid, and of Sphaeria, and various Fungoid, genera :
its character is to discharge a sporuliferous pulp from the nucleus. But it
seems to be a prevalent opinion that this character is uncertain and unimpor-
tant, and consequently the supposed tribe will fall back in part into Lichens,
and in part into Fungi, from which it sprung. Dr. Greville, however, adheres
to the distinction.
Geography. Pulverulent Lichens are the first plants that clothe the bare
rocks of newly-formed islands in the midst of the ocean ; foliaceous Lichens
follow these, and then Mosses and Hepaticee. D'Urville Ann. Sc. 6. 54. About
800 species are described by Acharius, the number of which is perhaps capable
of some reduction ; 200 are added by Fee, and great numbers are, no doubt,
still undiscovered. They are found upon trees, rocks, stones, bricks, pales, and
similar places ; and the same species seem to be found in many different parts
329
of the world : thus, the Lichens of North America differ little from those of
Europe. F6e estimates the number actually known, either in herbaria or in
books, at 2400.
Properties. Lichens have been remarked by Decandolle to possess two
distinct classes of characters, the one rendering them fit for being employed as
dyes after maceration in urine, the other making them nutritive and medicinal-
ly useful to man. M. Braconnot has ascertained that oxalate of lime, or oxalic
acid, exists in great abundance in Lichens, particularly in those which are
granular and crustaceous. The common Variolaria, which is found upon
almost every old beech-tree, contains rather more than 29 per cent. Ed.
P. J. 13. 194. Lichens that grow on the summit of fir-trees have been
found by Dr. John, of Berlin, to contain an uncommon proportion of oxide
of iron, which may be viewed as illustrative of the formation of iron by the
vegetable process. Ibid. 2. 394. Of those used in dyeing, the principal crusta-
ceous kinds are, Lecanora perella, the Orseille de terre, or Perelle d'Auvergne
of the French, Lecanora tcu-tarea, or Cudbear, hsematomma and atra, Variola-
ria lactea, Urceolaria scruposa and cinerea, Isidium Westringii, Lepraria chlo-
rina ; of the foliaceous species, Parmelia saxatilis, omphalodes, cncausta, con-
spersa, and parietina, Sticta pulmonacea, Solorina crocea, and Gyrophora deu-
sta and pustulata ; but the most important are Roccella tinctoria and fusifor-
mis, the dye of which is so largely used by manufacturers under the name of
Orchall, or Archil, or Orseille des Canaries ; there are other species capable of
being employed in a similar manner, as Usnea plicata, Evernia prunastri, Alec-
toria jubata, Ramalina scopulorum, and several Cenomyces. The nutritive
properties of Lichens probably depend upon the presence of an amylaceous
substance analogous to gelatine, which, according to Berzelius, exists in the
form of pure starch or amylaceous fibre, to the amount of 80'8 per cent, in
Cetraria islandica. This plant, which is the Iceland Moss of the shops, is
slightly bitter as well as mucilaginous, and is frequently used as tonic, demul-
cent, and nutrient ; Cetraria nivalis, Sticta pulmonacea, and Alectoria usne-
oides, will all answer the same purpose. Tripe de Roche, on which the Cana-
dian hunters are often forced to subsist, is the name of various species of Gyro-
phora : the Rein Deer Moss, which forms the winter food of that animal, is
Cenomyce rangiferina. Parmelia parietina, Borrera furfuracea, Evernia pru-
nastri, Cenomyce pyxidata and coccifera, are reputed astringents aud febrifuges,
and Peltidea aphthosa an anthelmintic ; Sticta pulmonacea is used in Siberia
for giving a bitter to beer ; Evernia vulpina, called Ulfmossa by the Swedes, is
believed by that people to be poisonous to wolves ; but this requires confirma-
tion. See Decand. Essai M.6d. 318, and Jlgardh Aph. 94.
Examples. Parmelia, Sticta, Ramalina, Nephroma, Boeomyces,
CCLXXI. FUNGI. The Mushroom Tribe.
Fungi, Juss. Gen. 3. (1789); Dec. Fl. Fr. 2. 65. (1815); Nees das System der Pilze und
Schwamme, (1817); Fries. Syst. Mycolog. (1821); Syst. Orb. Veg. (1825); Adolphe
Brongn. in Diet. Class. 5. 155. (1824) ; Grev. Scofl. Crypt. Ft. 6. (1828); Hooker British
Flora, 457. (1830). — Epiphyt-e, Link; Grev. Fl. Edin. xxv. (1824); Gasteromyci, Grev.
Fl. Edin. xxiv. (1824).— ByssoidejE, Grev. Fl. Edin. xxv. (1324); Fries Syst. Orb. Veg.
(1825) ; Grev. Scott. Crypt. Fl. 6. (1828).— Mycetes, Spreng. Syst. 4. 376. (1827).— Ube-
oine£, MucEDrNEJE, and Lycopehdace^:, Ad. Brongn. in Diet. Class. I. c. (1824.)
Diagnosis. Aerial, leafless, flowerless plants, with no thallus or external
sporuliferous disks.
52
330
Anoma lies. Sphserias approach Lichens in their structure : they are known
by their want of thallus.
Essential Character. — Plants consisting-. of a congeries of cellules, among which fila-
ments are occasionally intermixed, increasing in size by addition to their inside, their outside
undergoing no change after its first formation, chiefly growing upon decayed substances, fre-
quently ephemeral, and variously coloured. Sporules lying either loose among the tissue, or
enclosed in membranous cases called sporidia.
Affinities. These are only distinguished from Lichens by their more fu-
gitive nature, their more succulent texture, their want of a thallus or expan-
sion independent of the part that bears the reproductive matter, and by the lat-
ter being contained within their substance and not in hard distinct nuclei origi-
nating in the centre and breaking through a cortical layer. From Algae there
is no absolute character of division, except their never growing in water; in
fact, it is, as has been before stated, rather the medium in which Fungi and
Algae are developed that distinguishes thom, than any peculiarity in their own
organization : for instance, the aerial Byssaceaa, which are Fungi, are nearly
the same in structure as the aquatic Hydronemateae, which are Algae. While
there is so near an approximation of these families to each other, particularly
in the simplest forms, it is important to remark that no spontaneous motion has
been observed in Fungi, which, therefore, cannot be considered so closely allied
to the animal kingdom as Algae, notwithstanding the presence of azote in
them, and the near resemblance of the substance by chemists called Fungin,
to animal matter.
Fungi are almost universally found growing upon decayed animal or vege-
table substances, and scarcely ever upon living bodies of either kingdom ; in
which respect they differ from Lichens, which very commonly grow upon the
living bark of trees. They are, however, not confined to dead or putrid
substances, as is shown by their attacking various plants when in a stale of
perfect life and vigour. In their simplest form they are little articulated fila-
ments, composed of simple cellules placed end to end ; such is the mouldiness
that is found upon various substances, the mildew of the Rose-bush, and, in
short, all the tribes of Mucor and Mucedo ; in some of these the joints disar-
ticulate, and appear to be capable of reproduction ; in others sporules collect in
the terminal joints, and are finally dispersed by the rupture of the cellule that
contained them. In a higher state of composition, Fungi are masses of cellu-
lar tissue of a determinate figure, the whole centre of which consists of spo-
rules either lying naked among filaments, as in the Puff-balls, or contained in
membranous tubes or sporidia, like the thecaj of Lichens, as in the Sphaerias.
In their most complete state they consist of two surfaces, one of which is even
and imperforate, like the cortical layer in Lichens ; the other separated into
plates or cells, and called the hymenium, in which the sporules are deposited.
Upon this kind of difference of structure, Fungi have not only been divided
into distinctly marked tribes, but it has been proposed to separate certain orders
from them under the name of Byssacea?, Gasteromyci, and Hypoxyla ; the first
comprehending the filamentous Fungi found in cellars, and similar plants ; the
second Lycoperdons and the like ; and the third species which approach Lichens
in the formation of a distinct nucleus for the sporules, such as Sphaeria. But it
appears to me better to consider all these mere forms of one great vegetable
group.
Some writers have questioned the propriety of considering Fungi as plants,
and have proposed to establish them as an independent kingdom, equally dis-
tinct from animals and vegetables ; others have entertained doubts of their being
more than mere fortuitous developements of vegetable matter, called into action
by special conditions of light, heat, earth, and air — doubts which have been
331
caused by some remarkable circumstances connected with their developement,
the most material of which are the following : they grow with a degree of
rapidity unknown in other plants, acquiring the volume of many inches in the
space of a night, and are frequently meteoric, that is, spring up after storms, or
only in particular states of the atmosphere. It is possible to increase particular
species with certainty, by an ascertained mixture of organic and inorganic mat-
ter exposed to well known atmospheric conditions, as is proved by the process
adopted by gardeners for obtaining Agaricus campestris ; a process so certain,
that no one ever saw any other kind of Agaricus produced in mushroom-beds ;
this could not happen if the Mushrooms sprang from seeds or sporules floating
in the air, as in that case many species would necessarily be mixed together ;
they are often produced constantly upon the same kind of matter, and upon
nothing else, such as the species that are parasitic upon leaves : all which is
considered strong evidence of the production of Fungi being accidental, and not
analogous to that of perfect plants. Fries, however, whose opinion must have
great weight in all questions relating to Fungi, argues against these notions in
the following manner : " Their sporules are so infinite (in a single individual of
Reticularia maxima I have counted above 10,000,000), so subtile (they are
scarcely visible to the naked eye, and often resemble thin smoke), so light
(raised, perhaps, by evaporation into the atmosphere), and are dispersed in so
many ways (by the attraction of the sun, by insects, wind, elasticity, adhesion,
&c), that it is difficult to conceive a place from which they can be excluded."
I give his words as nearly as possible, because they may be considered the sum
of all that has to be urged against the doctrine of equivocal generation in Fungi ;
but without admitting, by any means, so much force in his statement as is
required to set the question at rest. In short, it is no answer to such argu-
ments as those just adverted to. It seems to me that a preliminary examina-
tion is necessary into the existence of an exact analogy between all the plants
called Fungi ; a question which must, be settled before any further inquiry can
be properly entered upon. That a number of the fungus-like bodies found upon
leaves are mere diseases of the cuticle, or of the subjacent tissue, is by no means
an uncommon opinion ; that many more, such as the Byssaceae in particular,
are irregular and accidental expansions of vegetable tissue in the absence of
light, is not improbable ; and it is already certain that no inconsiderable number
of the. Fungi of botanists are actually either, as various Rhizomorphas, the
deformed roots of flowering plants growing in cellars, clefts of rocks, and walls ;
or mere stains upon the surface of leaves, as Venularia grammica ; or the
rudiments of other Fungi, as many of Persoon's Fibrillarias. Those who are
anxious to inquire into these and other points, are referred to Fries' works gene-
rally, to the various writings of Nees von Esenbeck, and to the Scottish Cryp-
togamic Flora of Dr. Greville.
Geography. The Fungi by which most extra-tropical countries are inha-
bited are so numerous, that no one can safely form even a conjecture as to the
number that actually exists. If they are ever fortuitous productions, the num-
ber must be indeterminable ; if many are mere diseases and the remainder fixed
species, then the knowledge of their nature must be reduced to a more settled
state before any judgment upon their number can be formed. According to
Fries, he discovered no fewer than 2000 species within the compass of a square
furlong in Sweden ; of Agaricus alone above 1000 species are described ; and
of the lower tribes the number must be infinite. Sprengel, however, does not
enumerate in his Systema Vegetabilium more than between 2700 and 2800 ■
but when we consider that his genus Agaricus does not go beyond number 646
although 1000 at least are described, it is not improbable that the rest of his
enumeration is equally defective, and that the number of described Fungi per-
haps amounts to between 4 and 5000. Of tropical species we know but little ■
332
their fugitive nature, the difficulty of preserving them, and perhaps the incuri-
ousness of travellers, as well as their scarcity in the damp parts of equinoctial
countries, have been the causes of the proportion in such climates between
Fungi and other plants being unknown.
Properties. A large volume might be written upon the qualities and uses
of Fungi, but in this place they can be only briefly adverted to in a very gene-
ral way. They may be said to be important, either as food or as poison, or as
parasites destructive to the plants upon which they grow. As food, the most
valuable are the Agaricus campestris, or common Mushroom, the various spe-
cies of Helvella or Morel, and Tuber or Truffle ; but a considerable number of
other kinds are used for food in various parts of the world, of which a useful
account will be found in Decandolle's excellent Essai sur les Propritte's Medi-
cates des Plantes, in Persoon's work Stir les Champignons comestibles, and in a
paper by Dr. Greville in the 4th volume of the Transactions of the Wernerian
Society.
It is necessary to exercise the utmost care in employing Fungi the nature
of which is not perfectly well ascertained, in consequence of the resemblance of
poisonous and wholesome species, and the dreadful effects that have followed
their incautious use. It is true that many kinds are named by Pallas as being
commonly used by the Russians, which are plentiful in countries where they
are not employed for food ; but, in the first place, it is not perhaps quite certain
that poisonous and wholesome species are not confounded under the same
name ; in the next place, climate may make a difference ; and lastly, much de-
pends upon the mode in which they are cooked. Upon this subject Delile
observes, that it was ascertained by M. Paulet, in 1776, that salt and vinegar
removed every deleterious principle from that most poisonous plant the Agari-
cus bulbosus ; that it is the universal practice in Russia to salt the Fungi, and
that this may be the cause of their harmlessness, just as the pickling and sub-
sequent washing of the poisonous Agaric of the Olive renders it eatable in the
Cevennes ; but that nevertheless it is much wiser to run no risk with unknown
Fungi, even taking such precautions ; a remark to which he was led by the
lamentable death of a French officer and his wife, in consequence of breakfast-
ing off some poisonous Agarics, which were nevertheless eaten by other per-
sons in the same house with impunity. It was probable that in that case a
difference in the cooking was the cause of the difference in the effect of the
Fungi ; but it was a sufficient ground for distrusting all Fungi except the cul-
tivated ones. So strongly did the late Professor L. C. Richard feel the pru-
dence of this, that, although no one was better acquainted with the distinctions
of Fungi, he would never eat any except such as had been raised in gardens in
mushroom-beds. One of the most poisonous of our Fungi is the Amanita mus-
caria, so called from its power of killing flies when steeped in milk. Even this
is eaten in Kamchatka, with no other than intoxicating effects, according to
the following account by Dr. Langsdorff, as translated by Dr. Greville, from
whom I borrow it.
" This variety of Amanita muscaria is used by the inhabitants of the north-
eastern parts of Asia in the same manner as wine, brandy, arrack, opium, &c,
is by other nations. These Fungi are found most plentifully about Wischna,
Kamchatka, and Wilkowa Derecona, and are very abundant in some seasons,
and scarce in others. They are collected in the hottest months, and hung up
by a string in the air to dry : some dry of themselves on the ground, and are
6aid to be far more narcotic than those artificially preserved. Small deep-
coloured specimens, thickly covered with warts, are also said to be more pow-
erful than those of a larger size and paler colour. The usual mode of taking
the Fungus is, to roll it up like a bolus, and swallow it without chewing,
■v'.'hich, tho Kamchatkadales say, would disorder the stomach. It is sometimes
333
eaten fresh in soups and sauces, and then loses much of its intoxicating pro-
perty : when steeped in the juice of the berries of Vaccinium rdiginosum, its
effects are those of strong wine. One large or two small Fungi is a common
dose to produce a pleasant intoxication for a whole day, particularly if water
be drank after it, which augments the narcotic principle. The desired effect
comes on from one to two hours after taking the Fungus. Giddiness and
drunkenness result in the same manner as from wine or spirits ; cheerful emo-
tions of the mind are first produced; the countenance becomes flushed ; invol-
untary words and actions follow, and sometimes at last an entire loss of con-
sciousness. It renders some remarkably active, and proves highly stimulant
to muscular exertion : by too large a dose, violent spasmodic effects are pro-
duced. So very exciting to the nervous system, in many individuals, is this
Fungus, that the effects are often very ludicrous. If a person under its influ-
ence wishes to step over a straw or small stick, he takes a stride or a jump
sufficient to clear the trunk of a tree ; a talkative person cannot keep silence or
secrets ; and one fond of music is perpetually singing. The most singular
effect of the Amanita is the influence it possesses over the urine. It is said,
that, from time immemorial, the inhabitants have known that the Fungus im-
parts an intoxicating quality to that secretion, which continues for a considera-
ble time after taking it. For instance, a man moderately intoxicated to-day
will, by the next morning, have slept himself sober, but (as is the custom), by
taking a tea-cup of his urine he will be more powerfully intoxicated than he
was the preceding day. It is therefore not uncommon for confirmed drunkards
to preserve their urine as a precious liquor against a scarcity of the Fungus.
This intoxicating property of the urine is capable of being propagated ; for
every one who partakes of it has his urine similarly affected. Thus, with a
very few Amanita;, a party of drunkards may keep up their debauch for a
week. Dr. Langsdorff mentions, that by means of the second person taking
the urine of the first, the third that of the second, and so on, the intoxication
may be propagated through five individuals."
Of parasitical Fungi, the most important are those which are called dry rot,
such as Polyporus destructor, Merulius lacrymans and vastator, &c, which
are the pest of wooden constructions ; next to these come the blight in corn,
occasioned by Puccinia graminis ; the smut and ergot, if they are really any
thing more than the diseased and disorganized tissue of the plants affected ;
the rust, which is owing to the ravages of iEcidiums ; and finally, in this class
is to be included what we call mildew, minute simple articulated Mucors, Mu-
cedos, and Byssi. The genus Rhizomorpha, which vegetates in dark mines
far from the light of day, is remarkable for its phosphorescent properties. In
the coal mines near Dresden the species are described as giving those places
the air of an enchanted castle ; the roofs, walls, and pillars, are entirely co-
vered with them, their beautiful light almost dazzling the eye. The light is
found to increase with the temperature of the mines. Ed. P. J. 14. 178. It
is a most remarkable circumstance, and one which deserves particular inquiry,
that the growth of the minute Fungi, which constitute what is called mouldi-
ness, is effectually prevented by any kind of perfume. It is known that books
will not become mouldy in the neighbourhood of Russia leather, nor any sub-
stance if placed within the influence of some essential oil. Ibid. 8. 34. Bo-
letus igniarius is used in India as a styptic, as well as for Amadou. Ainslie>
1. 5. The Boleti, when wounded, heals much in the same manner as the flesh
of animals. Edin. Philosoph. Journ. 14. 369.
Examples. § Coniomycetes (Uredo, iEcidium, Mucor).
§ Gasteromycetes (Sclerotium, Physarum, Lycoperdon).
§ Pyrenomycetes (Hysterium, Sphseria).
334
§ Hymenomycetes (Agaricus, Boletus, Clavaria).
§ Byssaceffi (Racodium, Monilia, Erineum).
CCLXXIL. ALGM. The Seaweed Tribe.
Algx, Juss. Gen. 5. (1788); Roth. Catalecta Botanica (1797); Dec. Fl. Fr. 2. 2. 1815);
Agardh Synops. Alg. (1817); Species Alg. (1821-1828); Syst. Alg. (1824); Greville Alg.
Brit. (1830).— Phycei, Acharius (1807 ?).— Thalassiophyta, Lamouroitx Ann. Mus. 20.
(1812) ; Gaillon in Diet, des Sc. 53. 350. (1828).— Hydrophyta, Lyngb. Tentam. (1819.)—
Arthrodieje, Bory in Diet. Class. 1. 591. (1822).— Hydronemateje, Neesin Nov. Act. Nat.
Cur. 11. 509. (1S23); Ann. des. Sc. 13. 439. (182S).— Chaodine*, Confervje, and Cera-
miarije, Bory in Diet. Class. 3. and 4. (1823).— Ch-ktophoroideje, Greville Fl. Edin.
321. (1824).— Hydrophycje, Fries Syst. Orb. Veg. 320. (1825.)
Diagnosis. Aquatic leafless flowerless plants.
Anomalies.
' Essential Character. — Leafless flowerless plants, with no distinct axis of vegetation,
growing in water, frequently having an animal motion, and consisting either of simple vesi-
cles lying in mucus, or of articulated filaments, or of lobed fronds, formed of uniform cellu-
lar tissue. Reproductive matter either altogether wanting, or contained in the joints of the
filaments, or deposited in thecoe of various form, size, and position, caused by dilatations of
the substance of the frond. Sporulcs, with no proper integument, in germination elongating
in two opposite directions.
Affinities. Whatever ingenuity may be employed in determining the re-
lative degree of dignity in the vegetable creation between Fungi, Lichens, and
Algae, it seems to me that the conclusion which is constantly arrived at is, that
Algae are absolutely distinguishable from the two others only by their living in
water, and that, except for the influence which that medium exercises on
them, they would be identical with Lichens on .the one hand, and with Fungi
on the other. The method under which the genera should be arranged, al-
most every observer having a method of his own, is a question still to settle ;
but in this place we have chiefly to consider the more remarkable facts con-
nected with their organization. Those who wish to make the order a special
study will do well to take the excellent Species Algarum of Agardh for their
guide, and to study the papers of Bory de St. Vincent, and Fries, for general
ideas, and that most beautiful of all books, the Algm Britannicce of Dr. Gre-
ville, for the application of them to the Flora of this country.
Those who have ever examined the surface of stones constantly moistened
by water, the glass of hothouses, the face of rocks in the sea, or of walls where
the sun never shines, or the hard paths in damp parts of the gardens after rain,
cannot fail to have remarked a green mucous slime with which they are covered.
This slime consists of Algae in their simplest state of organization, belonging to
the genera Palmella, Nostoc, Red Snow, and the like, the Nostochinae of
Agardh, or Chaetophoroideae of Greville; they have been called Chaodineae by
Bory de St. Vincent, whose account of them is to the following effect : The
slime resembles a layer of albumen spread with a brush ; it exfoliates in drying,
and finally becomes visible by the manner in which it colours green or deep
brown. One might call it a provisional creation waiting to be organized, and
then assuming different forms, according to the nature of the corpuscles which
penetrate it or develope among it. It may further be said to be the origin of
two very distinct existences, the one certainly animal, the other purely vegeta-
ble. This matter lying among amorphous mucus consists in its simplest state
of solitary, spherical corpuscles, (such are figured by Turpin in the Mtmoircs
335
du Museum, vol. 18. t. 5. ; and as may be easily seen in the common green
crust upon old pales, Pahnella botryoides) ; these corpuscles are afterwards
grouped, agglomerated, or chained together, so producing more complex states
of organization. Sometimes the mucus, which acts as the basis or matrix of
the corpuscles, when it is found in water, which is the most favorable medium
for its developement, elongates, thickens, and finally forms masses of some
inches extent, which float and fix themselves to aquatic plants. These masses
are at first like the spawn of fish, but they soon change colour and become green,
in consequence of the formation of interior vegetable corpuscles. Often, how-
ever, they assume a milky or ferruginous appearance ; and if in this state they
are examined under the microscope, they will be found completely filled with
the animalcules called Navicularia?, Lunulinre, and Stylaris, assembled in such
dense crowds as to be incapable of swimming. In this state the animalcules
are inert. Are they developed here, or have they found their way to such a
nidus, and have they hindered the developement of the green corpuscles'? Is
the mucus in which they lie the same to them as the albuminous substance in
which the eggs of many aquatic animals are deposited 1 At present we have
no means of answering these questions. According to M. Gaillon, many of
these simple plants are certainly nothing but congeries or rows of the singular
and minute animalcule called Vibrio tripunctatus and bipunctatus by Muller,
strung end to end. See Ferussac's Bulletin, Feb. 1824. He particularly ap-
plies this remark to Monema comoides.
Another form of Alga?, one which may be considered a higher degree of
developement of the last, is that in which they assume a tubular state, con-
taining pulverulent or corpuscular matter in the inside, and become what are
called Conferva?, or, as M. Bory styles them, Arthrodiea?. These, which com-
prehend true Conferva?, Oscillatorias, and many Diatomea?, are thus spoken of
by the acute botanist last mentioned : The general character of Arthrodiea?
consists in filaments, generally simple, and formed of two tubes, of which one,
which is exterior and transparent, offers no trace of organization to the most
powerful eye, so that it might be called a tube of glass, contains an inner arti-
culated filament filled with coloring matter, often almost imperceptible, but at
other times very intense green, purple, or yellowish; these compound filaments
present to the astonished eye the strangest and most different phenomena, all of
which have the plainest characters of animal life, supposing that animal life is
to be inferred from motions indicating a well marked power of volition. The
Arthrodia tribe usually inhabit either fresh or sea-water, and several are com-
mon to both. One of them, but a species referred to the tribe with some uncer-
tainty, the Conferva ericetorum, grows on the ground, but in places that are
very damp, and often inundated ; others among the Oscillating species cover the
humid surface of rocks or earth, and the interstices in the pavement of cities ;
some even grow in hot springs of a very high temperature. (Ulva thermalis
lives in the hot springs of Gastein in a temperature of about 117° Fahrenheit.
Ed. P. J. 4. 206.) The most remarkable are, 1st. The Fragillarias, to which
Diatoma and Achnanthes belong ; these, when combined in the little riband-
like threads which are natural to them, have no apparent action ; but as soon
as the separation of the joints takes place, a sort of sliding or starting motion
may be seen between them. 2dly. The Oscillarias, some of which have an
oscillatory movement, extremely active and perceptible ; and the Ulva laby-
rinthiformis and Anabaina, which, -with all the appearance of a plant, has, ac-
cording to Vauquelin and Chaptal, all the chemical characters of an animal.
33ly. The Conjugata?, the filaments of which separate at one period, and unite
again at another, and finally, by a mode of coupling completely animal, resolve
themselves into a single and uniform being ; and 4thly, the Zoocarpeae, most
extraordinary productions, in which the animal and vegetable nature follow
336
each other in the same individual ; vegetables in the earlier period of their ex-
istence, but producing, in the room of sporules or buds, little microscopic ani-
malcules, which become filamentous vegetables after a certain length of time.
Dr. Greville, in his Flora Edinensis, adopted an opinion of Dr. Fleming and
others, that many of the species referred to this group possess an animal struc-
ture ; such as Diatoma flocculosum, tenue, arcuatum, and obliquatum, and Fra-
gillaria striatula and pectinalis ; and he believed Conferva stipitata, Biddul-
phiana and tseniaeformis of Eng. Bot., together with the whole genus Echinella,
to be equally dubious. But he altered this opinion after two or three years, if
we are to judge from his Cryptogamic Flora, in which are beautiful figures of
some of the very beings the animal nature of which is so much to be suspected.
For example, Diatoma tenue, a little Confervoid plant with parallelogramic ar-
ticulations, at first attached by their longest sides, and afterwards separating at
their alternate extremities, so as to form a filiform tube. " The filaments," ac-
cording to an interesting observation of the Rev. Mr. Berkley, " at a certain
period seem to lose the squareness of their figure, to be attenuated at the extre-
mities and dilated in the centre, to become cylindrical and opaque, and, in
short, metamorphosed into a moniliform filament, with elliptical or oblong pur-
ple joints and colourless articulations." (Vol. vi. 354.) Agardh is of opinion
that we have among these rudimentary Alga? not only a distinct passage to the
animal but even to the mineral kingdom: for he states that some of his
Diatomese include vegetable crystals bounded by right lines, collected into a
crystalliform body, and with no other difference from minerals than that the
individuals have the power of again separating. System, xiii. The observa-
tions above quoted are those of naturalists of so high a reputation for accuracy,
that they may safely be accepted as certain ; but I do not know what to say of
such as the following, by a German botanist of the name of Meyen, unless that
they require to be verified by others, especially because those who have sought
for the phenomena he mentions have not succeeded in finding them. This
writer states that he has seen, very often, a spontaneous motion in Zygnema
nitidum ; and its filaments contract from the length of 10 inches to that of 4-6
lines ; that the Oscillatorias move in a circle ; that the globules contained in
the filaments of Zygnema have a life partly vegetable, partly animal, and pro-
create similar globules, some of which become animals endowed with motion.
See Agardh's Species Mgarum, 2. 48., from which this account is extracted.
Certain supposed Confervas, called Bacillarias, are rejected from plants by M.
Bory de St. Vincent, and placed in the lowest grade of the animal creation.
See Diet. Class. 2. 128.
Other Algae approach nearly to the structure of Lichens, lose entirely theiv
animal properties, and become broad flat expansions, or finely divided vegeta-
bles, such as are seen in the ordinary state of Sea-weeds, Fuci, or marine Con-
fervae. Of the British species of these, and of their general nature, an excel-
lent acconnt has been given by Dr. Greville in his Algce Briiannicce, from
which the greater part of the following remarks is extracted. While the first
two groups consist of microscopic objects inhabiting obscure places, shady
paths, or half-immersed surfaces of stones and banks, the more complete Algae
comprehend species forming subaqueous forests of considerable extent in the
vast ocean, emulating in their own gigantic dimensions the boundless element
that enfolds them. Chorda filum, a species common in the North Sea, is fre-
quently found of the length of 30 or 40 feet. In Scalpa Bay, in Orkney, ac-
cording to Mr. Neil], this species forms meadows, through which a pinnace with
difficulty forces its way. Lessonia fuscescens is described by M. Bory dc^t.
Vincent as 25 or 30 feet in length, with a trunk as thick as a man's thigh. But
all these, and indeed every other vegetable production, is exceeded in size by
the prodigious fronds of Macrocystis pyrifera. " This appears to be the sea-
337
weed reported by navigators to be from 500 to 1 500 feet in length : the leaves
are long and narrow, and at the base of each is placed a vesicle filled with
air, without which it would be impossible for the plant to support its enormous
length in the water ; the stem not being thicker than the finger, and the up-
per branches as slender as common packthread."
These remarks may be concluded by a reference to the following works, in
which certain information relating to the animal nature of certain Confervae
may be found : Nees von Esenbeck Die Algen des Sussen Wassers (1815);
Treviranus in Ann. des Sc. 10. 22.(1817): Gruithuisen in Nov. Act. Jicad.
Leopold. Curios. 10.437.; Carus in the same, 11, 491. (1823); Gaillon in
Ann. Sc. Nat. 1. 309. (1823); Desmazieres in the same, 10. 42. (1825),
and 14. 206, (1828) ; Unger in the same, 13. 431. (1828) : all of which should
be carefully consulted by those who wish to form any accurate judgment upon
this most curious and interesting subject.
Geography. This has been treated upon carefully by Lamouroux in the
Annates des Sciences Naturelles, vol. 7, and by Dr. Greville, in the Alga, Bri-
tannicoz. Algoe are most important in the economy of nature for forming the
commencement of soil by their deposit and decomposition. The basin of the
ocean is said to be continually rising by the deposit of such plants, particularly
of Conferva chthonoplastes, the closely aggregated slimy fibres of which form
dense beds. Ed. P. J. 2. 392. The same circumstance occurs in lakes and
ditches : the bottoms of some of the former, in this country, are no doubt in-
creased by the curious production called Conf. regagropila. To the peculiar
distribution of Phamogamous plants into certain botanical regions, a fact familiar
to all botanists, there is something analogous in the submersed Flora of the
ocean. We find latitude, depth, currents, influencing the forms of Algae in nearly
the same way as latitude, elevation, and station, affect those plants which are more
perfect ; and as many of the latter are confined to small extent of country, so
do several of the Algae extend but to short distances in the sea. Thus Odon-
thalia dentata and Rhodomela cristata are confined to the northern parts of
Great Britain, while many others are peculiar to the southern parts ; and, on
the contrary, many are cosmopolites of an unbounded range, such as Codium
and Ulvaceae. The latter thrive best in the polar and temperate zones, Dic-
tyoteaj increase as we approach the equator, Fuci particularly flourish between
the parallels of 55° and 44°, and, according to Lamouroux, rarely approach
the equator nearer than 36°. The articulated or imperfectly formed fresh-
water Algaa are nearly confined to the temperate and northern parts of the
world, being almost unknown or undescribed from within the tropics. The
number of species is scarcely capable of being eslimated.
Properties. For what wise purpose the Creator has filled the sea and the
rivers with countless myriads of these plants, so that the Flora of the deep
waters is as extensive as that of dry land, we can only conjecture ; the uses to
which they are applied by man are, doubtless, of but secondary consideration ;
and yet they are of no little importance in the manufactures and domestic
economy of the human race. Dr. Greville describes them thus (Algoz Bri-
tannics, xix.) :
" Rhodomela palmata, the dulse of the Scots, dillesk of the Irish, and sac-
charine Fucus of the Icelanders, is consumed in considerable quantities
throughout the maritime countries of the north of Europe, and in the Grecian
Archipelago ; Iridcea edulis is still occasionally used, both in Scotland, and the
southwest of England. Porphyra lachriata and vulgaris is stewed, and brought
to our tables as a luxury under the name of Laver ; and even the Ulva latissima,
or green Laver, is not slighted in the absence of the Porphyra;. Enter omor-
pha compressa, a common species on our shores, is regarded, according to Gau-
dichaud, as an esculent by the Sandwich Islanders. Laurentia pinna tifida,
53
338
distinguished for its pungency, and the young stalks and fronds of Laminaria
digitata (the former called Pepperdulse, the latter Tangle), were often eaten in
Scotland ; and even now, though rarely, the old cry, ' Buy dulse and tangle,'
may be heard in the streets of Edinburgh. "When stripped of the thin part,
the beautiful Alalia esculenta forms a part of the simple fare of the poorer
classes of Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands.
" To go further from home, we find the large Laminaria potatorum of Aus-
tralia furnishing the aborigines with a proportion of their ' instruments, vessels,
and food.' On the authority of Bory de St. Vincent, the Durvillea utilis and
other Laminariere constitute an equally important resource to the poor on the
west coast of South America. In Asia, several species of Gelidium are made
use of to render more palatable the hot and biting condiments of the East.
Some undetermined species of this genus also furnish the materials of which
the edible swallows' nests are composed. It is remarked by Lamouroux, that
three species of swallow construct edible nests, two of which build at a dis-
tance from the sea-coast, and use the sea-weed only as a cement for other
matters. The nests of the third are consequently most esteemed, and sold for
nearly their weight in gold. Gracillaria lichenoides is highly valued for food
in Ceylon and other parts of the East, and bears a great resemblance to Gra-
cillaria compressa, a species recently discovered on the British shores, and
which seems to be little inferior to it ; for my friend Mrs. Griffiths tried it as a
pickle and preserve, and in both ways found it excellent.
" It is not to mankind alone that marine Algss have furnished luxuries, or re-
sources in times of scarcity. Several species are greedily sought after by cat-
tle, especially in the north of Europe. Rhodomela palmata is so great a fa-
vourite with sheep and goats, that Bishop Gunner named it Fucus ovinus. In
some of the Scottish islands, horses, cattle, and sheep, feed chiefly upon Fucus
vesiculosa during the winter months ; and in Gothland it is commonly given
to pigs. Fucus serratus also, and Chorda Filum, constitute a part of the fod-
der upon which the cattle are supported in Norway.
M In medicine we are not altogether unindebted to the Algse. The Gigarti-
na helminthocorton, or Corsiean moss, as it is frequently called, is a native of
the Mediterranean, and held once a considerable reputation as a vermifuge.
The most important medical use, however (omitting minor ones), derived from
sea-weeds, is through the medium of Iodine, which may be obtained either
from the plants themselves, or from kelp. French kelp, according to Sir Hum-
phrey Davy, yields more Iodine than British ; and, from some recent experi-
ments made at the Cape of Good Hope by M. Ecklon, Laminaria buccinalis is
found to contain more than any European Alga;. Iodine is known to be a pow-
erful remedy in cases of goitre. The burnt sponge formerly administered in
similar cases, probably owed its efficacy to the Iodine it contained ; and it is
also a very curious fact, that the stems of a sea-weed are sold in the shops, and
chewed by the inhabitants of South America, wherever goitre is prevalent for
the same purpose. This remedy is termed by them Palo Coto (literally, goitre-
stick) ; and, from the fragments placed in my hands by my friend Dr. Gillies,
to whom I am indebted for this information, the plant certainly belongs to the
order LaminariesB, and is probably a species of Laminaria.
li Were the Algse neither ' really serviceable either in supplying the wants
or in administering to the comforts of mankind' in any other respect, their cha-
racter would be redeemed by their usefulness in the arts ; and it is highly proba-
ble that we shall find ourselves eventually infinitely more indebted to them.
One species (and I regret to say that it is not a British one) is invaluable as a
glue and varnish to the Chinese. This is the Gracillaria tenax, the Fucus te-
nax of Turner's Historic Fucorum. Though a small plant, the quantity an-
nually imported at Canton from the provinces of Fokien and Tche-kiang is
339
stated by Mr. Turner to be about 27,000 lbs. It is sold at Canton for 6d. or
8d. per pound, and is used for the purposes to which we apply glue and gum-
arabic. The Chinese employ it chiefly in the manufacture of lanterns, to
strengthen or varnish the paper, and sometimes to thicken or give a gloss to
silks or gauze. In addition to the above account, the substance of which I
have extracted from Mr. Turner's work, Mr. Neill remarks that it ' seems pro-
bable that this is the principal ingredient in the celebrated gummy matter
called Chin-chon, or Hai-tsai, in China and Japan. Windows made merely of
slips of Bamboo, crossed diagonally, have frequently their lozenge-shaped in-
terstices wholly filled with the transparent gluten of the Hai-tsai.'
" On the southern and western coasts of Ireland, our own Chondrus crispus
is converted into size, for the use of house-painters, &c; and, if I be not er-
roneously informed, is also considered as a culinary article, and enters into the
composition of blanc-mange, as well as other dishes. In the manufacture of
kelp, however, for the use of the glass-maker and soap boiler, it is that the
Algaj take their place among the most useful vegetables. The species most
valued for this purpose are, Fucus vesiculosus, nodosus, and serratus, Lamina-
ria digitata and bulbosa, Ilimanthalia lorea, and Chorda Filum."
Examples. Protococcus, Chroolepus, Mesogloia, Batrachospermum, Con-
ferva, Ulva, Fucus, Sargassum.
CATALOGUE
NORTH AMERICAN GENERA OF PLANTS,
ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THE
ORDERS OF LINDLEY'S
INTRODUCTION TO THE NATURAL SYSTEM OF BOTANY
WITH THE
NUMBER OF SPECIES BELONGING TO EACH GENUS
AS FAR AS THEY ARE AT PRESENT DETERMINED.
BY JOHN TORRE Y, M. D.
GENERA OF NORTH AMERICAN PLANTS.
Class I.— VASCULARES or FLOWERING PLANTS.
Sub-Class I.— EXOGEN^E or DICOTYLEDONS.
Tribe I.— ANGIOSPERALE.
I. POLYPETALOUS, APETALOUS, AND ACHLAMYDEOUS PLANTS.
I. Order AraliacE-k, page 4 till. Ranunculacejj, p. 6
Aralia, L
Panax, L
. 2
6
II. Umbellifer.k, p. 4
Sub-order I. Orthospcrmccc.
Hydrocotyle, L>. .
Crantzia, Nutt. .
Erigenia, Nutt.
Sanicula, L. .
Eryngiuni, L.
— Cicuta, L.
—~- Zizia, Koch .
lie lose iadium, Koch
Discopleura, I). C.
Leptoeaulis, Nutt.
Cryptutamia, D. C
Sium, L.
P.upleurum, L.
(Enaiithe, L.
Cynosciadium, D. C.
Seseli, L.
Tliaspium, Nutt. .
Ligusticum. L.
~ Angelica, L. .
Ferula, L.
Peucedanum, Koch
"— Archemora, l>. C.
5 Pastinaca, L.
- Jleraclcum, L.
PulytsenTa, L). C .
Trepocarpus, Null.
Cymopterus, Hqf. .
l'aucus, Li. ,
Sub order II. Campylospcrma:
Cba:rophylluin, Lt.
Osmorbiza, lluf. . .
L'oniuui, Lt. . . .
Eulopbus, Nutt.
Sub-order III. Cculospcrmcc.
Atrema, D. C.
Tribe I. ClcmalidecB
— Clematis, L. .
Tribe II. Ancmoncae
— Thalictrum, L.
Anemone, L.
Hcpatica, Li. .
Hydrastis, L.
Adonis, L.
Tribe III. Ranunculeic
Myosurup, L.
■ Ranunculus, LJ.
Tribe IV. LLcllcborirut;.
. Caltha, L. . . .
Trollius, Li. . . .1
Copt is, Salisb. . . 2
Enemion, Lfaf. , . 1
- Aquilegia, L. . . 3|
-Delphinium, L. 1
- Aconitum, L. 3
Tribe V. LJuzonca.
Aetata, £/....!
-Cimicifuga, Li. . . 4
-Macrotys, Ltaf. . . 1
k » Xantborhiza, Li. . .1
4-. Paionia, Lt. . . 1
107
I VI. Nelu.mbonek, p. 12
j Nelumbiuin, Juss. . 2
VII. Hydropelt idejk, p. 12.
— Brasenia, Schreb. . . 1
Cabomba, Aubkt . . 1
• 1 Flcerkea, Willd. . . 1
3
VIII. PoDOPHYLLEJB, p. 13
— Podopbyllum, L. . I
Jefiersonia, Barton. . I
IV. Papaverace*, p. 8.
I ■ I'apaver, L. .
Mcconopeis, Vig. J
(Slylcphurum, Nutt.) <
--Sanguinaria, L.
Oihuicium, L.
L-9 Chelidonium, L. .
2 Argenione, L.
b'J
V. NYMPHf.ACE*, p. 10
Nympba'a, Smith.
Nupbar, Smith
IX. Crvcifer.*, p. 14
Sub-order I. LHeurorhizeas.
Cheiranthus, R. Brown 2
Nasturtium, R. Lirwcn 4
Barbarea, 11. Brown 2
Braya, Stcrnb. . . 3
Turritis, L. 6
<. Arabis, L. . .9
- Cardamine, L. . . l(i
— Dentaria, L. . . .5
Platypetalum, R. Brown 2
Eutrema, Lt. Lirown . 2
Oreus, Cham, ct Schlrct. I
Macropudium, It. Brown I
Hut< hinsia, R. Brown I
Vesicaria, Lam. . . 5
Alyssum, L. . . .2
2 Draba, L. ... 25
2 Eropbila, L). C. . . 2
Cocnlcaria, L. . . 8
Tbysanncarpus, Hook. 1
Tlilasni, L. . 4
(^apsella, Vent. . . I
Iberis, L. ... I
Cakile, L. . .1
Pairya, R. Bnrwn ) _
Scuroloma, I). C. >
Selenium, Nutt. . . 1
Streptauthcs, Nutt. . 1
344
GENERA OF
Sub-order II. Notorhizccc.
Hesperis, L. .
Sisymbrium, L.
Erysimum, L.
Stanleya, Nutt.
Senebiera, JPoir.
Lepidium, li.
Aphragmus, Andrz. . 1
Platyspermum, Hook. . 1
Sub-order III. Orthoplocecc.
§ Sinapis, L. . . ]
Brassica, L. . . \
Sub-order IV. DiplocUobece.
Subularia, L. . .
X. Fumariaces, p. 18
Diclytra, Bore.
Adlumia, Raf.
Corydalis, D. C. .
Fumaria, L. .
XI. Capparideje, p. 19
Cleomella, D. C. .
Peritoma, D. C.
Gynandropsis, D. C
Cleome, L.
Polanisia, Raf.
XII. Anonacejs, p. 21
Asimina, Adans. .
Anona, Adans.
XIII. Magnoliace-k, p. 23.
Magnolia, L.
Liriodendron, Z>. .
XIV. Wintered, p. 25
Illicium, L. .
XV. Calycantheje, 26
Calycanthus, L. .
XVI. Laurineje, p. 29
Laurus, L.
XVII. Berberide/e, p. 30
Bcrberis, Li. .
Leontice, L. .
Epimedium, L.
Diphylleia, Michx.
Achlys, D. C.
136
XVIII. MENlsrKRMEJE, p. 31
Mcnispermum, Ij. . '.■
Scliizandra, Michx. . ]
Cocculus, Li. . . ]
XIX. Malvace.k, p. 32
Sida, L.
Malva, L.
Malope, L.
Nuttallia, Dick
, Hibiscus, L.
XX. Tiliaceje, p. 40
Tilia, L.
XXI.TERNSTROMERIACE«,p42
Malacodendron, Cav. 1
Stewartia, Cav. . . 1
Gordonia, Ellis
1
3
10
XXXI. ClRCEACE-K, p. 56
28p Circtea, L.
XXXII. LoasejE, p. 57
Bartonia, Pursk .
Mentzelia, L.
XXII. GuTTIFERvE, p. 44
Cluysia, L. . . 1
XXIII. Hypericineje, p. 46
Hypericum, L. . .5
Ascyrum, L.
XXIV. Saxifrages, p. 48 32
Saxifraga, L. . . 32
Heuchera, L. . 10
Leptarrhcna, R. Brown 2
Chrysosplenium, L. . 2
Drummondia, D. C.
Adoxa, L.
1 Itea, L. * .
Mitella, L. .
Tellima, R. Brown
Tiarella,/y. .
Astilbe, Hamilton
Lepuropetalon, Elliott
Parnassia, L.
1
1
5
1
5
1
1
5
67
XXV. Hamamelides. p. 50
"Hamamclis, L. . . 2
Fothergilla, L. . . 1
XXVI. PhiladelphejE, p. 51
Philadclplius, L. . .10
Decumaria, L. . . 2
12
XXVII. Grossularis, p. 52
Ribes, Li. ... 26
XXVIII. Cactes, + p. 53
Mammillaria, Haw. . 2
Opuntia, Tourn. . 5
XXIX. Onagrarije, p. 55
Epilobium, L.
Gaura, L.
CEnotheraj L.
Clarckia, Purak
Jussiiea, L.
Isnurdia, D. C.
9
SJ
30
1
5L
16
XXX. HaloragejE, 56
Proserpinaca, L. .
Myriophyllum, L.
Hippuris, L.
XXXIII. Salicahije, p. 58
Peplis, L.
Ammannia, Li.
Lythrum, L.
Cuphea, L.
Decodon, Gmel,
XXXIV. Rhizophoreji, p,
Rhizophora, L.
XXXV. Melastomace*, p
Rhexia, L.
XXXVI. Eleagnes, p. 67
Ela;agnus, L.
Shcpherdia, Nutt.
XXXVII. ARISTOLOCHIJB,p.
Aristolochia, L.
- Asarum, L. .
XXXVIII. Santalace.s, p
Nyssa, L.
Hamiltonia, Muhl.
Comandra, jSutt.
XXXIX. Thymeles, p. 74
Dirca, L.
XL. Sanguisorbes, p. 78
Sanguisorba, L.
Potcrium, L.
Alchcmilla, Lt.
Cercocarpus, H. B. <f* K.
2
8
3
13
2
1
2
5
1
1
10
5'J
1
BO
9
XLI. Rosace*, p. 79
§ 1. Potentillccc.
Potcntilla, L.
Fragaria, L.
Comaropsis, Richard
Dalibarda, L.
Agrimotiia, 7'ourn.
•.vy, Gemn, Li.
Dry as, />.
GUI- Rubus, L.
25
2
4
1
4
12
3
23
*„Re?7ed !° Est'*I','<>»i* by Dc Candolle, {JProd. 4. 6,) but does not agree with the order as characterized
y Prof. Lindlcy.
t Several other Cactes were found by Dr. Jai
know not to what modern genera thcybelong.
by Prof. Lindley.
t Several other Cactea were found by Dr. James in Long's Expedition to tile Rocky Mountains but I
now not to what I n<.n..i ■• ii,.., i..,i......
NORTH AMERICAN PLANTS.
345
Sibbakha, L.
Horkelia, Cham. .
. 2
. 1
§ 2. Rosece.
Rosa, L.
.. 12
§ 3. Spirccacccc.
Spiraea, L.
Purshia, D. C
. 14
. 1
Gillcuia, Miench
. 2
XLII. PoMACEiE, p. 81
106
Crataegus, L.
. 16
- Amelanchicr, Med.
. 4
Pyrus, L.
. 8
-• Cassia, L.
Gyninocladus, L.
Pomaria, Cav.
Glcditschia, L.
- • Cercis, L.
XLIII. Amygdale^, p. 82
Prunus, L.
XLIV. Chrysobalanes, p. 81
Chrysobalanus, L. . 1
XLV. Leguminoseje, p. 84
Division I. Currembrice.
Sub-order 1. Papilwnacecc
Sophora, R. Broirn
Thermopsis, R. Brown
Virgilia, Lamk. 1
Cladrastris, Raf. \
Baptisia, Vent.
Crotallaria, L.
Genista, L. .
Medicago, L.
Hosackia, Bcnth. .
Melilotus, Tourn.
Trifolium, L.
Psoralea, L. .
Indigofera, Li.
Clitoria, L. .
Galactia, L. .
Petalosteuium, Mich.v.
Dalea, L.
Glycirrhiza,L<% .
Tephrosia, Pcrs. .
Amorpha, L.
Robinia, L. .
Scsbania, Pers.
Glottidium, Desv.
Phaca, L.
Oxytropis, D. C .
Astragalus, L.
Zornia, Gmel.
Stylosanthcs, Sirtz.
iEschynomene, L.
Halscya, Torrcy incd. )
Heat/sari sp. Lin. $
Desmodium, J). C.
Hedysarum, L.
-, Lespedeza, Mich.v.
Vicia, L.
Ervum, L.
, Pisum, L.
Lafliyrus, L. .
Orobus, L.
Amphicarpa, L.
Rhyncho3ia, Lour.
Wisteria, Nutt.
Apios, Mcench
Phaseolus, L.
Lupinus, L. .
Erytliriua, L.
Division II. Rcctcmbrim.
Sub-order 2. Mimosecc.
Mimosa, Adans. . . 1
Darlingtonia, D. C. . 3
Scbranckia, Willd. . 1
Pro3opis, L. . • 1
Acacia, Necker . . 2
Sub-order 3. Casalpinem.
XL VI. Urtice*:, p. 91
Urtica, L.
Parietaria, L.
• Cannabis, L.
- Hurnulus, Li.
Boshmeria, Willd.
XLVII. Ulmacejb, p. 92
Ulmus, L. .
Planera, Grncl. .
Celtis, L.
11
1
1
3
1
236
Phyllanthus, L. . . 2
Jatropha, L. . . 2
§ '.' Ri'-inus, L. 1
Ditaxis, Vahl. . . 1
"" ~Acalypha, L. . . 2
Euphorbia, L. .20
52
LVI. Datisce£, p. 107
- Datisca, L. . . . 1
LVII. Empetres, p. 107
Empetrum, L. . . 1
Ceratiola, Michx. . 1
LVIII. CalastrinejE, p. 106
Celastrus, L. . . 1
Euonymus, L. . . 5
LIX. Rhamneje, p. Ill
Rhamnus, L. . . 4
Kercliemia, Neck. . 1
Ceanothus, L. . . 5
11
XLVIII. Artocarpeje, p. 93
Morus, L.
Maclura, Nutt.
XLIX. CuPULIFEHiE, p. 95
. Q,uercus, Li. . . . 34
Castanca, Tourn. . 3
Corylus, L. 2
Fagus, Li.
10
LX. Staphyleaceje, p. 112
- Staphylea, L. . . 1
LXI. Hippocastane.b, p. 112
- Pavia, Boerh. . . 7
LXII. Sapindaces, p. 114
Cardiospermum, L. » 1
Sapindus, L. . . 1
41
L. Betulinjj:, p. 96
Bctuki, L. . . . 9
- Alnus, Willd. . . . 4
Carpinus, L. . . 1
Ostrya, Michx. . . 1
LI. Salicinje, p
■ Salix, L.
Populus, L.
00
LII. PlatanejE, p. 97
Platanus, L.
Liquidambar, L.
LIII. Myrice*:, p. 98
- Myrica, L. .
C'oniptunia, Gccrt.
LIV. Juglandeje, p. 99
Juglans, Li.
Carya, Nutt.
LV. Euphorbiace^:, p. 100
Pachysaiulra, Michx.
Crotoa, /y.
Crotonopsis, Michx.
Borya, Willd.
Mercurialis, />.
Tragia, L. .
Styllingia, L.
Exoecaria, L.
54
12
10
1
11
10
1
LXIII. AcerinejE, p. 115
• Acer, L.
Negundium, Mcench
LXIII. (a) Vites, p. 117
- Ampelopsis, Michx.
— -Vitia, L.
LXIV. Meliace*, p. 118
§Mclia,iy. . . .
LXV. Cedrele^p. 119
Swietenia, L.
LXVI. Amybideje, p. 124
Amyris, L.
LXVII. Anacardiaceje, p. 125
Rhus, L. . . . 9
LXVIII. Xanthoxyle^,p. 127
Xanthoxylum, L. . S
Ptelea, L. . . . \
LXIX. ZvGOPHYLLEiE, p. 124.
Tribulus, L. 2
j. LXX. Gebaniaceje, p. 136.
^~ Geranium, L. - 8
LXXI. Oxalide^:, p. 137
Oxalis, L. - - 6
LXXII. Balsamineje, p. 139.
Impatiene, L. - - 2
346
GENERA OF
LXXHI. POLYGALEJE, p. 142
Polygala, L. - 22
Krameria, L. - - 1
23
LXXIV. ViOLACEiE. p. 144.
Viola, L. - -33
Ionidium, D. C. - 1
Solea, Ging. - - 1
35
LXXV.PASSJFLOBE.E, p. 145
Passiflora, L. - - 4
LXXVI. TUBNERACEJE.p.148.
Turnera, L. - - 1
LXXVII. Cistineje, p. 143.
Helianthemum, lourn.
Hudsonia, L. - •
Lechea, L. - -
12
LXXVIII. SAHRACEKIE.E,
p. 150.
Sarracenia, L.
LXXIX. Droseraceje, p. 151.
Drosera, L.
Dioneea, L.
LXXX. Line*, p. 152.
Linum, L. - - -I
LXXXI. Cabyophylleje.
p. 153.
§ 1. SilenecB.
Dianthus, L. - - 3
Saponaria, L. - - ]
Cucubalus, L. - - 1
■ Silene, L. - 14
Lychnis, £,. . 3
§ 2. AlsinccB.
Sagina, L. 2
Mollugo, L. 1
Holosteuni,lL. 1
Spergula, L. - - 3
Larbrsea, St. Hit. . - 1
Stellaria, L. - - 1 1
- Arenaria, L.
■ Ccrastium, L.
Adenarium, Rqf.
LXXX1I. Elatineje, p.
Crypta, Nutt.
LXXXIII. PoRTULACEiE.
p. 157.
Portulacca, L.
— Talinum, L. - -
Claytonia, L.
Montia, L. - -
156.
1
LXXXIV. GALACINEiE.p.l5S
Galax, L.
XC. Chenopode*, p. 164.
Chenopodium, L. - 8
Atriplex, L. - - 6
Acnida, L. - - 2
Salicornia, L. - - 5
Corispermum, L. - - 1
Salsola, Li. - - - 2
l:litum,L. - - - 2
Anabasis, It. - - 1
Kochia, Schr. - - 2
Diutis, L. - - - 1
Polycnenium, L. - - 1
31
XCI. Phytolacceje, p. 165.
1 \\ Phytolacca, L. - - 1
Rivina, L. - - 2
LXXXV. Crassulaceje. 159.
Tilla:a, L. -
Seduin, L. -
Lewisia, Pursh -
Diamorpha, Nutt.
Penthorum, L.
1
8
1
1
1
12
LXXXVI. Ficoideje, p. 160.
Sesuvium, L. - - 2
LXXX VII. Illecebreje,
p. 161.
Anychia, Miehx. - 1
Paronychia, Juss. - 4
Stipulicida, Michx. . 1
Polycarpon, L. . 1
XCII. PolygokejE, p. 167.
Brunnichia, Geert.
Polygonum, L. -
Oxyria, Hill
Rumex, It. -
Eriogonum, Michx.
Tragopyrum, Bieb.
3
I
26
1
11
7
1
47
XCIII. Nyctagineje, p. 168.
Boerhaavia, L.
Oxybaphus, R. $- P.
Abronia, Juss.
Allionia, L.
XCIV. Saurure*, p. 169.
L Saururus, L. - -
. v„^17Ttr , |XCV. PlPERACE.E, p. 171.
LXXXV III. Amaranthace.e,| piper £, .
p. 163. 1 " '
Amaranthus, L. - - 10 XCV3. Podostomex, <p. 172.
Oplolheca, Nutt. -
Irescne, L. - - -
Achyrantbes, L. -
Piloxerus, K. Brown -
2
6
2
I
11
1
1
2
1
15
LXXXIX ScLERANTHEiE^ieJ
Scleranthus, L.
PodoBtomum, Michx. 1
VII 1
XCVII.. CALLITRICHiKE*,
Callit
XCV1H. Cei
174.
ERATOPHYLLEJE.
lr- Ceratophyllum, L.
II. MONOPETALOUS PLANTS.
XCIX. iLICINEiE, p. 175.
Hex, L. -
Nemopanthc3, Rqf.
Prinos, L.
Myginda, Jacq. -
C. Styrace.e, p. 176.
Styrax, L. •
Symplocos, L.
Haleeia, L. -
CI. Sapote*, p. 178.
Bumclia, Swtz, -
CII. Eeice*, p. 179.
§ 1 . Ericcca vera.
Arbutus, L. -
Qaulthcria, £.
Andromeda, L. • - 19
Mylocarium, WUld. - 1
C'lctbra, L. ■ - - 5
Cyrilla, L. - - - 2
Elliottia, Muhl. - - 1
Menzicsia, Smith.
§ 2. Rhodoracccc.
'Kalmia, L. - 5
Epiga;a, L. - - 1
Rhodora, Lt. - - 1
Rhododendron, L. 5
Lciophyllum, Ell. - 1
Azalea, L. - - - 6
Chamsele'don, Link - )
Ledum, Ji. - - -2
Bejaria, Michx. - - 1,
63
CIII. Vaccineje, p. 181.
Vaecinium, L • - 26
CIV,
Pynila, L.
Monotropa, L.
~ Pterospora, Nutt. -
Schweinitzia, Ell.
Oxycoccua, lJcrs.
p. 182.
29
II
3
1
_J
16
CV. Campanulace*, p. 182.
< 'ampanula, L. - - 8
Prismatocarpus, VHcrit. 3
II
CVI. Lobeliace*, p. 184.
Lobelia, L. - - - 10
- Clintonia, Doug. - - 1
11
CVII. PAPAYACEJB.p. 188.
Carica, L. - - - 1
NORTH AAIKKICAN PLANTS.
347
CVIII. Cccubbitace;e, p
— * Cucumis, L.
Sicyos, L.
Momordica, L.
Neurosperma, Raj'.
Melothria, L.
CIX. Plantagines, p. 191.
»■ Plantago, L.
CX. Plum bag ine*,
Statice, L.
Armaria, L.
Plumbago, L.
p. 192.
189. I 'entaurea, />.
Elephantopus, /,.
■•Vernonia, L. . . 9
Amcllus, L. 2
Liatris, L. . . .26
^Baccharia, L. . . 6
Conyza, L. .
Pterocanlbn, Elliult . l
Inula, L. . . .11
< ;ilv( ium, Elliott
Arnica, L. . . .5
Doronicum, L. . .1
Antcnnaria, R. Brown. 3
l" Gnaphaliuin, L. . . 8
Stokesia, I' Her it. . 1
Ifi
CXL Dipsaceje, p. 193.
- § Dipsacus, L. . .
CXII. VALERIANE.E, p. 191.
Valeriana, L.
Plectritis, D. C. .
Valerianclla, Moenck .
Phyllactis, Pers. .
CXIII. Composit, p. 195.
Sub-order 1. dehor acccc.*
Tribe 1. Hicracccc.
• Hicracium, L. — D.Don 11
, Prenanthes, L. - 3
Adcnocaulon, Hook. . 1
Hapalostephium/?o/i }
( Sp. of Hieraciu m,) y I
Lin. ^
Harpalyce, Don . ) ,o
(Sp.olPrenanlkcs,L)§
C'repis, L. . .1
Lapsana, L. 1
Tribe 2. Taraxacece.
, - Leontodon, Sckreb. . 1
Troximon, Pers. . 2
Apargia, Scop. . . 1
Oporinea, Don . . 1
Cynthia, Don . .5
Tribe 3. Lactucecc.
.*_ Lactuca, L. 8
Lygodesmia,Do?i (Sp. ?
of Prenanthes, L. J 2
Borkhausia, Moench. . 1
... Agathyrsus, /Am (Sp. ? r
of isonchus, L. . $
— Sonchus, .L. 3
Tribe 4. Cichorcee.
Cichorium, L.
Sub-order II. Labiatijlora:,
Chaptalia, Vent. -
Suborder III. Carduaceae
~- Arctium, L. . 1
— Cardans, //. . . ]
§ Onopordum, L.
Iva, I j. ... 5
- Ambrosia, L. 8
^Kanthium, Z>. . . 3
Sub-order IX. Anthcmidem.
Sparganophorus, Michx. I
4f- Tanacetum, L. . .3
Artemisia, .L. . 18
§ Anthemis, L. . . 2
Achillea, L. . 4
Pyrcthrum, L. .1
Saptolina, £,. . . 1
Soliva, PI. per. . . I
666
Sub-order IV. Aslerccc.
*Erigeron, L.
. Aster, L.
Solidago, L.
Euthamia, Nutt.
Chrysocoma, L. .
Boltonia, Vllcrit.
Grindelia, Willd.
Bellis, L
Sub-order V. Eupatorinece.
Kuhnia, L. .
Enpatorium, L. .
Mikania, Willd. .
Stevea, Cavan. .
Polypteris, Nutt. .
Celt stina., Cassini (Sp. )
of Evpatorium, L.) \
Selloa, Spreng.
Sub-order, VI. Jacobece.
~ Cacalia, L.
Tussilago, L.
Senecio, L.
Kleinia, Jacq.
Cineraria, L.
Bcebera, Willd.
Sub-order VII. Hclianlhece,
Hymenopappus, Vllcrit.
Pectis L.
Melananthera, Michx.
Marsballia, Pursk
Amellus, Richard
Tetragonatheca, VJIerit.
' Helenium, L.
Trichophyllum, Nutt,
Eriophyllum, Lagascu
-Zinnia, L.
Eclypta, L.
— Helianthus, .
Galardia, Lamlc. .
» Rudbeckia, L,.
» Coreopsis, Jacq. .
Calliopsis, lichb.
■ Bidens, Lin.
Polyumia, L.
Chrysogonum,/y.
Silphium, L.
■•Chrysanthemum, J
Leptopoda, Nutt.
Balduina, y,'utt.
Actinospcrmum, Elliott
Sub-order VIII. Ambrosiacea.
Partheuium, L. . . 1
CXIV. Stellate, p. 200.
Rubia, L. .
Galium, L.
CXV. Cinchoneje, p. 200.
§ 1. Sperm acocece.
Spermacoce, Mayer
Diodia, L.
§ 2. Cephalanthece.
Cephalanthus, L.
§ 3. Hcdyotidea.
Hedyotis, L.
§ 4. Cinchonecc.
Pinckneya, Michx.
§ 5. Psychotriacece.
^ Chiococca, P. Br.
Psychotria, L.
. Mitchella, L.
15
1
1
1
1
1
13
CXVI. Caprifoliace*, p. 204
§ 1. Lonicerece.
Caprifolium, Juss.
,£" Lonicera, R. tf« SL
Linnsea, Gron.
Triosteum, L.
. Diervilla, Tourn.
Symphoria, Pers.
% 2. Sambucinecc.
~ Viburnum, L.
. Sambucus, L.
§ 3. Hederece.
Cornus, L.
§ 4. Hydrangea.
., Hydrangea, L.
4
53
CXVII. Lohanthes, p. 206.
Viscum, L. . .3
CXVIII. AsCLEPIADEfi, p,
Asclepios, L.
Anatnerix, Xvtt.
Gonolobus, Michx.
Cynancbum, L.
Stylandra, Nutt.
l-'i Periploca, L. ^,.
2 Enslcnia, Nutt. "■•
1 Matalea, Aubl.
2
2CXIX. ApOCTNEiE, p. 211.
1 - Apocynum, L.
Amsonia, Walt.
Echites, L.
Gelsemium, Juss.
208.
23
3
6
2
1
1
1
1
43
3
3
1
1
* See a " New Classification of the Cichoracete" by D. Don, in the New Edinburgh Philosophical
Journal, January 1809.
348
GENERA OF
CXX. Gentianeje, p. 213.
Gentiana, L. . .19
Swertia, L. . . •■•3
Frasera, Walt. . . 1
Erythraa, Rich. . 7
Sabbatia, Adans. . 9
Exacum, L. . . 1
Centaurella, AficA.r. . 1
Mitreola, D. Don . 3
Houstonia, L. . .10
Polyprcmum, L* . 1
Lisianthus, P. Br. . 1
Villarasia, Vent. . 2
Menyantbes, L. . 2
Obolaria, L. 1
55
CXXVIII. Lentibularis, p.
224.
Pinguicula, L. . .5
Utricularia, L. ■ 1
18
CXXIX. Orobanche*:, p. 225
Orobanche, L. . • 4
Epiphagus, Nutt.
CXXI. Spigeliaceje, 215.
Spigelia, L. . . 1
CXXII. Convolvulace^;, p.
216.
Convolvulus, L.
Ipomcea,
Cuscuta, L.
E volvulus, £/.
Dichondra, Forst.
35
CXXIII. POLEMONIACEJE, p
217.
Polemonium, L.
Phlox, L. . . 25
- «ilia, R. d> P.
Collomia, Nutt.
Ipomopsis, Michx.
38
CXXIV. Hydroleace.e, p.
218.
Hydrolea, L.
Diapensia, L.
Pyxidanthera, Michx. .
CXXV. Ebenaceje, p. 219.
Diospyrus, L.
OXXVI. Oleaceje. p. 221.
Olca, Z,.
Ligustrum, L.
Chionanthus, L. .
Fraxinus, L.
Ornus, Pcrs.
CXXXIV. Pedaline^e, p. 233.
Martynia, L. . . 1
CXXXVT. Bignoniace.e,
p. 234.
Bignonia, L.
Catalpa, Juss.
CXXX. SCROPHULARINEiE, p.
226.
§ 1. Veronicece.
Veronica, L.
Lep$hdra, Nutt.
% 2. KrinacecB.
Buchrrera, L.
§ 3. Scrophularieaz
- Scruphularia, L.
Antirrhinum, L.
Mijnulus, L.
Gaatiola, L.
Lindernia, L.
S<jbwalbea, L.
Cyclone, L.
Pentstemon, Willd.
lljrpcstis, Gccrt.
Hemiarithu3, Nutt.
C'ollinsia, Nutt.
Mauranctya, Jacq.
Lwnosella, L.
Cspraria,Z<.
Gerardia, L.
Seymeria, Pursh
CXXXVI. MvOPORINEiE,
p. 235.
Avicennia, L.
CXXXVII. .VerbenacejE,
p. 236.
Verbena, L.
Callicarpa, L.
Zapania, Link
Lantana, L.
CXXXI. RniNANTHACE.£,
228
Rhinanthus, L.
--Pedicularis, L,
1 Euphrasia, L.
Orthocarpus, Nutt
Bar.sia, L.
Castelleja, Mutis
■ - Euchrotna, Nutt,
Melampyruni, L.
1
1 CXXXII. Solaseje, p.
§ I. tiulanca:.
Siilanum, />.
Physalis, h.
— Nicotiana, L.
■ Datura, L.
Lycium, L.
Nycterium, Vent.
(Aiiilrocrra, Null.)
Capsicum, L.
§ 2. Verbasce<e.
Ol- Vcrbascum, L.
7JCXXXVIII. LABIAT-E,t
.p. 237.
§ 1. Menthoidecc.
Lycopus, L.
Isanthus, Michx.
Mentha, L.
§ 2. Satureinecc.
■ Pycnanthemum, Miclix,
■ Thymus, L.
Origanum, L.
Lophanthus, Benth. ~\
Yleckia, Raf. Sp. of C
Btyssopusy L. 3
§ 3. Ajugoidcce.
- Teucrium, L.
Trichostema, L.
1 Collinsonia, L.
'.' Ceranthera, Elliott
§ 4. Monardecc.
Monarda, L.
Blephilia, Raf.
Cunila, L.
1 Synandra, Nutt.
§ 5. Nepetete.
Leucas, R. Broun.
§ Galeopsis, L.
Leonurus, L.
l.amium, L.
Physostegia, Benth.
JJracociph. sp. L,.
Dracocepluduu], L- Benth. 1
27
M
CXXVII. Primulaceje, p. 223
-Primula, L.
Douglasia,Z/inf//. .
Androsace, L.
Dodecatheon, L.
Trientalis, L.
ilottoijia, L. 1
Glaux,Tv._ . . 1
Lysimachia, L. .10
Anagallis, L. 1
Micranthemum, Michx
Centunculus, L.
mm Samolus, L.
31 1
* Referred to Rubiaceic ^ Hedyotidetc by De Candolle.
t The genera of this family are arranged according to tho new classification of Mr. Bcntham, alluded
to in the text, p. 238.
CXXXIII. ACANTIIACE.E,
p. 231.
Justicia, Li.
Ruellia, L.
Elytraria, Michx.
34
St achy s, L.
Ncpeta, L.
Glecboma, L-
Marrubium, L.
Macbridea, Elliott
Melissa, L-
Hedeoma, Pers.
Calamintha, Pursh
( liDOpodium, L.
Prunella, L.
Scutellaria, L.
Salvia, L.
§ 6. Ocymoideaz.
Hyptis, Jacq.
108
NORTH AMERICAN PLANTS?
0349
CXXXIX. Boragineje, p
Lithospcrmum, L.
«*Batschia, Gmcl.
Onosmodiurn, Michx.
Symphytum, L.
— Echium, L.
m Lycopsis, E.
_ Myosotia, E.
239.
8
4
2
1
1
-Echinospcrmuni, Sin. 4
- Cynoglossum, E. . 4
Pulinonaria, L. . 3
34
CXL. Heliotropiceje, p. 240.
Ikliutropium, E. . 1
CXLI. HynROPHYi.LEJB, p.
Hydrophyllum, />.
Nemophila, Nutt.
Ellisia, Ji.
Eutoca, Li. Br.
Phacelia, Michx.
241.
3
3
2
3
3
14
Tribe II.— GYMNOSPERM.E.
CXLII. Cycadeje, page 243.
Zamia, L. . . .
CXLIII. Coniferje, p. 245.
Shubertia, Mirb.
- Junipcrus, L.
Thuya, Li.
Cupressus, L.
Pinus, L.
1
6
2
1
11
►Taxus, Lj.
Abies, Sal.
Larix, Sal.
1
7
2
31
Sub-Class II.— ENDOGYN^, or MX3NOCOTYLEDONOUS
PLANTS.
Tribe I— PETALOIDE^E.
CXLIV. Alismaceje, p. 251.
" Sagittaria, E. . . 8
- Alisma, L. 1
CXLV. Hydrochabideje,
p. 252.
Hydrocharis, L. . 1
Udora, Nutt. . 1
Vallisncria, E. . 1
3
CXLVI. Commelineje, p. 253.
Commelina, L. . .4
Tradescantia, L. . 3
CXLVII. Xyrideje, p. 253.
Xyris, L.
CXLVIII. BnOMELIACEiE,
p. 254.
Tillandsia, L.
Agave, E.
CXLIX. Hypoxideje, p. 255.
Hypoxis, Li.
CL. Burmannieje, p. 255.
Burmannia, />.
(I'riptarclla, Michx.)
CLI. HjemodoracevE, p. 256.
Lachnanthes, Ell. . 1
Lophiola, Ker ) ,
(Cunostylis^avsh. $
CLIV. Ihidejj, p. 258.
■ Iris, Li.
Sisyrinchium, L.
Trichonema, Kcr )
Ncmostylis, Nutt. \
CLV. Orchideje, p. 260.
§ 1. Neottiece.
• Goodyera, K. Br.
Neottia, Swz.
Listeria, R. Br.
Crannichis, Swz. Elliolt
§ 2. Arethuscce.
Pogonia, R. Br.
Calopogon, R. Br.
Corallorhiza, R. Br.
A plectrum, Nutt.
Epipactis, Rich.
Arcthusa, L.
_j_Triphora, Nutt.
§ 3. Ophrydcce.
. Orchis, Li.
Platananthera, Rich
Habenaria, R. Br.
Tipularia, Nutt.
§ 4. Epidcndrccs.
Epidendruni, E.
Bletia, R. if- P.
§ 5. Malaxidea:.
• Liparis, Rich.
• Mycrostylis, Nutt.
Calypso, Salisb.
§ 6. Cijpripcdicec.
. Cypripedium, E.
,CLVII. Junceje, p. 268.
g~ Juncus, L. . 17
Pleea, Michx. . 1
^ Luzula, D. C. . 6
Narthecium, Mohr. . 1
12
CLVIII. Melanthaceje,
p. 269.
Melanthium, E.
Tofieldia, LIuds.
Xerophyllum, Michx.
•■Helonias, E.
Nolina, Michx.
Leimanthium,.£for<. brit,
Melanth. sp, Auct,
■ Veratrum, L.
■■ - Zigadenus, Mic/ix.
CLII. Amaryllide^, p. 257.
Amaryllis, L. . . 1
Pancratium, L. . 3
Criuuin, E. . . 1
25
24
CLIX. PONTEDERE2E, p. 270.
Puntederia, E.
— Heteranthera, Beauv. . 2
Schollera, Schrcb. . 1
1 Syena, Willd. . 1
CLX. ASPHODELE.K, p. 271.
Scilla, E.
■ Ornithogalum, L.
Anthericum, L.
Triteleija, Eind.
Allium, E.
Asparagus, L.
" Aletris, Z,.
Brodiaja, Sm.
Gagea, Salisb.
CLVI. Maraxtace.e, p. 265.
Thalia, E. . 1
Maranta, E. . 1
Cuiiua, L. . 2
CLXI. Smilaceje, p. 275
— Smilax, E.
— Convallaria, E.
Streptopus, Michx.
— Medeola, L.
Trillium, E.
1
2
1
1
9
1
2
1
1
19
15
13
4
1
12
350
•
Uvularia, L.
CLXII. Diosccre*, p. 276.
Dioscorea, L.
CLXIII. Liliace-e, p. 276.
Lilium, L.
Frittillaria, L.
■ Yucca, L.
Calochortus, Pursh
Lilium, L.
Erythronium, L.
CLXIV. Palm^e, p. 277.
(-'hainaerops, Li.
Sabal, Adans.
2
6
3
8
&
GENERA OF
CLXV. Restiaceje, p. 283
Eriocaulon, L. . 5
CLXVI. Typhace-e, p. 283.
• Typha, L. . 2
Sparganium, L.
CLXVII. Aroideje, p. 284
■ Acorus, L.
Arum,L.
Orontium, L.
Caladium, Vent.
Symplocarpus, Nutt.
Calla, L.
CLXVIII. Fluviales, p. 287
Zostera, L. . 1
Caulinia, Wllld.
Ruppia, Li.
Zannichellia, L.
Potamogeton, L.
2
1
2
K
18
CLXIX. Juncagines, p. 287.
Triglochin, L. . 4
Scheuchzeria, L. . 1
CLXX. Pistiaceje, p. 288.
Pistia, L. . 1
m Lemna, L. . 5
Tribe II.— GLUMACEjE
CLXXI. Ghamineje,* p. 290.
I. Agrostidece.
Agrostis, Li.
25
Colpodium, Trin. agrosl.
2
Polypogon, Desf.
2
Trichochloa, Desf.
1
Cinna, L.
1
Muhlenbergia, Schrcb.
2
Aneniagrostis, Trin. .
!■
Alopecurus, L.
2
Phleum, Li.
-3
Phalaris, Li.
3
Crypsis, Lamk.
3
II. Paniceae.
Milium, L.
4
Piptatherum, P. de Beaux. 1
Panic um, £i.
45
Digitaria, Hall.
•1
Setaria, P. de B.
6
Ceresia, L-'ers.
1
Paspalura, L.
14
Aulaxanthus, Ell.
2
Manisurus, Lj.
1
Orthopogon, Li. Br.
1
Beckmannia, Jaeq.
1
Cenchrus, L.
1
Tripsacum, L.
2
III. Avenacece.
Stipa, L.
&
Aristida, L.
10
Calamagrostis, Both
7
Eriochloa,Torrey, Erio- }
1
coma, Nutt. nun Kth. $
Anthoxanthum, L.
J
Pleuraphis, Tor.
1
Airu, li.
9
Dupontia, Li. Br.
1
A vena, L.
'1
TrisetunijPers.
'1
Hclcus, L.
Hierochloa, Gmel.
Uralepis, Nutt.
Arundo, LJ.
Danthonia, D. C.
IV. FestucacccE.
Festuca, L.
Ceratochloa, P. de B,
Dactylis, L.
Tridens, R. <$- S.
Kceleria, Pcrs.
Bromus, L.
Poa,L.
Glyceria, R. Brown
Sesleria, Scop.
Pleuropogon, Li. Brown
Uniola, L.
Briza, L.
-Melica, L.
V. Chloridece.
Chloris, Sirt:.
Monoccra, F.ll.
Cynodon, Rich.
Atlioi(i|)<'L'un, Midi/.
Leptochloa,.F. deBeauz
(Oxydenia, Nutt.;
Eleusine, Gasrt.
VI. Lhrdeacecc.
Hordcum, L.
Secale, L.
Elymus, L.
Triticum, /,.
Lolium, L.
Lepturus, Li. Brown
iEgilops, h.
Rottbollia, L.
Stenotapbrum, Trin
Nardus. /,.
Spartina, Schrcb.
VII. Sacchabinea.
Saccbarum, L.
Andropogon, L.
Gymnopogsfh, P. de B.
ErianthuS] Michx.
Sorghum, LJers.
VIII. Oryzew.
Leersia, L.
Zizania, L.
Oryzopsis, Michx.
Hydrochloa, P. de B. )
non LLort. Brit. \
rZ,e&. Li.
IX. Bambusincc.
Arundinaria, Michx. .
CLXXII. Cyperacejb.
§ 1. True Cypcraeece.
Cypcrus, L.
2f-* Dulichium, Pers.
Hedychloa, Rqf. )
Kyllingia, Six. )
§ 2. Scirpece.
Scirpus, L.
Eriophorum, L.
Schcenus, L.
Dichromena, Michx.
Rhynchospora, Vahl
Cladium, Schr.
Fuirena, Lin.Jil.
Vaginaria, Rich.
§ 3. Sclerea.
Scleria, L.
§ 4. Caricince,
Carex, L.
Kobresia, Wiild.
2
12
2
3
2
3
2
1
1
1
1
329
28
1
36
6
o
3
1 I
1
3
1
135
2
217
* The genera of this order are arranged according to Agardli, in his jlphorismi Botanici, p p- 147— 15.>
NORTH AMERICAN PLANTS.
351
Class II. CELLULARES, or FLOWERLESS PLANTS.
Tribe I. FILICOID PLANTS.
CLXXIII.EarisETACEiE,p.307
Equisetum, L. . S
CLXXIV. Filices, p. 309
$ 1. Rolypodiacecc.
" Polypodium, L. . 8
Acrostichum, L. . 2
- - Onoolea, L. . 2
— Aspidium, Sioz. . 15
. ...Woodsia, R. Br. . 3
. Asplenium, L. . 9
Bleohnum, L. . 2
Woodwardia, Sm. . 3
Scolopendrium, Sm. . 1
- Pteris, L. . 6
Vittaria, Sm. . 2
Adiautum, L. 1
Cheilanthes, Swz. . 2
Hymcnophyllum, Sm. . 1
Struthiopteris, WiUd. . 1
Cryptogramma, R. Brown 1
§ 2. Osmundaccai.
■ Osmunda, L. . 4
Lygodium, Swz. . 1
Schizsea, Sm. . 1
§ 3. OphioglossccE.
Ophioglossum, L. . 3
Botrycbium, Swz. . 5
73
CLXXV. Lycopodiace.e,p313
*" Lycopodium, L. . 16
Psilotum, Swz. . 1
Isoctes, JL. . 1
18
CLXXVI.MAnsiLEAcEJE,p.313
§ 1. Marsilcw.
Marsilea, L. . 2
Pilularia, L. . 1
§ 2. Salvince.
Salvinia, Micheli . 1
Azolla, Lamk. . \
Tribe II.— MUSCOIDEvE.
CLXXVII. Muscr, p. 307.
Div. I. Schistocarpi.
Andraa, Ehrh. . 3
Div. II. Astomi.
Phascuia, L. . 13
Div. II. Gymnostomi.
- Sphagnum, Dill. . 4
Gymnostomum, Hcdw. 20
Anictangium, Hcdw. . 2
Div. IV. Pcristomi.
§ 1. Aploperistomi.
Diphyschium, Mohtr.
Tetraphis, Hcdw.
Octoblepharum, Hcdw.
Splachnum, L.
Aplodon, R. Brown
Systilium, Hornsch.
Voitia, Hornsch.
Tayloria, Hook.
Conostomum, Swartz
Polytrichum, Dill. . 13
Cinclidotus, Bcauv. . 1
Tovtula., Hcdw. Hook.
Encalypta, Hcdw.
Grimmia, Ehrh.
Drummondia, Hook.
Orthotr. prorepens,
Hcdic.
Scouleria, Hook.
Ptcrigonium, Schwaeg
Wcissia, Hcdw.
Dicranum, Hedw.
Trematodon, Richard
Trie bostom urn, Hedw,
Leucodon, Schwaeg.
Didyinodon, Hcdw.
§ 2. Diplopcristomi.
Funariaj Hedw.
Ortbotrichum, Hedw.
Neckera, Hedw.
Anomodon, Hook.
Daltonia, Hook.
Fotitinalis, Dill.
Buxbauinia, L.
Bartramia, Hcdw.
Hookcria, Smith
.Hypnum, Dill.
Climacium, Mohr. . 2
Timmia, Hcdw. . 1
Arrhenopterunij Hcdw. 1
Bryum, Dill. . 31
Cinclidium, Swartz . 1
Pohlia, Hedw. . 3
361
CLXXVIII. Hepatice, p. 321.
Kiccia, L. . 1
Spluerocarpus, Micheli 4
Anthoceros, L. . 3
Targiona, Micheli . 2
Marchantia, Micheli . 6
Jungermamiia, L. . 60
Carpobalus, Schwein. ^ 1
Blaudovia, Willcl. . 1
78
CLXXIX. Chahacej:, p. 322.
Nitella, Ag. , 3
Chara, L. , 3
Tribe III.— APHYLL.E, or LEAFELESS FLOWERING PLANTS.
CLXXX. Lichexes, p. 327.
Tribe I. Idiothalami.
Spiloma, Ach. . 10
Solorina, Ach. . 2
Gyalqcta, Ach. . 2
Lecidea, Ach. . 74
Calicium, Ach. . 16
Gyrophora, Ach, . 11
Eudouarpon, Ach. . 12
Tribe II. Ccenothalami.
Thelotrema, Ach.
Pyrcnula, Ach.
variolara, Ach.
Urceolaria, Ach.
Lecanora, Ach.
' Parmclia, Ach.
Borrcra, Ach.
■ Cetraria, Ach.
Sticta, Ach.
Peltidea, Ach
Nephroma, Ach.
Duforea, Ach.
Evernia, Ach.
' Cenomyce, Ach.
Breomycea, Ach.
Isidium, Ach.
Stereocaulon, Ach.
Spha;rophoron, Ach-
7
12
5
2
2
37
1
3
2
2
GENERA OF
Tribe III. Homothalam
Alectoria, Ach-
Ramalina, Ach.
Cornicularia, Ach.
— - Usnea, Ach. . 95
Collema, Ach- . 26
Tribe IV- Athalaml
Lepraria, Ach-
Tribe V. Pseudo-Lichcnes
Opegrapha, Ach. -26
Verrucaria, Ach- 27
Porina, Ach-
Arthonia, Ach-
Graphis, Ach-
CLXXXI. Fungi, p. 329.
A. Cohors Pyrenomycetes
Ord I. Sp hceriacci.
1 Sub-order. Sphecriceei.
Spheeria . 685
2 Sub-order. Dichccriei.
Dichaina, Fr. Syst. Veg. 3
Ostropa, Fr.
3 Sub-order. Dothidini.
Exosporium, Link . 33
Dothidea, Fr. . 91
Ord. II. Phacid ijxcc i.
Tribe 1. Cliostomci.
Glonium . 2
Lophium . 2
Actidium . 1
Cliostomum . \
Tribe 2. Phacidici.
Rhytisma . 26
Phacidium, . 15
Hysterium . 55
Excipula . 11
Ord. III.. Cy lisporei.
Zythia . 3
Sphajroncema . 13
Cytispora . 18
Ceuthospera, Fr. . 1
Phoma, . 8
Ord. IV. Xylomacci.
Prosthemium . 1
Schizoxylon . 2
Labrella . 2
Actinothyrium . 3
Lcptostroma . 18
Sacidium . 3
B. Cohors Gastcromycclcs.
Ord. I. Angiogastres.
I Tribe. Phalloidci.
2 Tribe. Tuberacei.
Tuber . 1
Rhizopogon 3
3 Tribe. Nidulariacece.
Nidularia . 9
Arachnion . 1
Myriococcum . 1
Polyangium
4 Tribe. Carpoboli
Arractobalus
Thelobolus . 1
Pilobolus . /
Sphrerobolua . 6
Ord. II. Trichospermi.
1 Sub-order. Sclerodermei.
Uperrhiza . 1
Scleroderma . t
Mitremyces.
Calostoma, Dcsaux . 1
Actinodermium, Nees . 1
2 Sub-order. Lycoperdinci.
Geastrum . 6
Bovista . 5
Lycoperdon . 9
Tulostoma . 1
Rimella . 1
3 Sub-order. Physarci.
Lycogola . 2
Didymium . 5
Physarum
Lecangium . 3
Craterium . 4
Pericha;na
Licea
4 Sub- order. Trichiacei.
Onygena . 2
Dichosporium . 1
Myrothecium . 3
Trichodcrma . 3
Ord. IV. Sclerotiacei.
1 Tribe. Rhizogonci.
Pachyma . 1
Anixia, Fr. Syst. . I
Rhizoctonia . 4
2 Tribe. Apiosporii.
• ChaHomium, Kz. . 2
Apiosporium, Kz. . 1
Illosporium . 1
Coniosporium, Lk. . 3
3 Tribe. Sclerotii.
Periola . \
Acinula . 1
Pyrenium, Fr. Syst- . 2
Acrospermum ' , 3
Sclerotium . 8
Dryophilum, Schwcinitz 2
Spermodermium . 1
Spermcedia • 1
4 Tribe- Pcrisporii-
Erisiphe . 26
Perisporium • 2
C- Cohors Hyphomy cetes.
Series 1- Trichomyci
Trichia
Arcyria
Diachea
Stemonitis
Dictydium
Cribraria
Ord. III. Trie ho dcr mace i
1 Tribe. JElhalini.
Spumaria
Enteridium
J-'ittocarpium
./Ethalium
Rcticularia, Fries Syst. i
Vet
Pliallus.
Clathrus
Lachnobolus, Fr. Syst. 1
2 Tribe. Trichodcrmci.
Hyphelia, Fr. Syst. . 2
Ostracoderma . 1
Iastitule . 1
3 Tribe. Pilacrini.
Astcrophora . 2
Sporolrichum
Capillaria
Alytosporium
C'olletosporium
Coccotrichum
Racodium
Acrothamnium
Trichothecium
Sepidonium
Mycogone
Fusisporium
IMenispora
Gouytrichum
Epochnium
Helicotricum
Bactridium
Scolicotriclium
Circinotrichum
Myscotrichum
Scries 2-
46
.6
6
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
4
1
I
I
1
3
2
1
1
Acladium . 3
Chloridium • 3
C'ladosporium ■ 20
O^demium
Polythrincium
Arthrincium
Camptoum
Goniosporium
Sporophlcum
( 'oiioplca
Ccelosporium
Uelicosporium
Podosporium, Schwcinitz 2
Helniiuthosporium • 16
Series 3-
NORTH AMERICAN PLANTS
353
Slaplotrichuni 3
Sflaplaria 1
Botrytis 29
Polyactis 3
Aspergillus . 9
■Pennicillium 4
Coremium 9
Campsotrichum . 1
Series 4-
Acremonium 4
Verticillium 2
Dactylium 5
Spondylocladium . 1
Stachylidium . 4
Series 5- Mucorini
<.*hordo3tylum 1
'Stilbum , 9
Eurotium 2
- Mucor . 17
Thamnidium 1
Series 6-
Oidium 8
Tetracolium 1
Alternaria 1
Monilia 9
Torula 6
Ditorula, Schweinitz 1
Series 7-
Helicomyces 1
Dematium 15
Ozonium . 8
Fibrillaria 6
Hypha . 1
Xylostroma . 5
Phlebomorpha, Persoon. 2
Series 8. Membranacci.
Erineum . 14
D Cohors- G y mnomyce tes.
Csoma -.
Uredo, JEcidium, f
JRastelia, tf- Peri- C
dermium
Puccinia
Phragmidium
Spilocaea
Septaria
flypodermium
Melanconium
Didymosporium
Stilbospora
Cryptosporium
Fusidium
Ceratosporium, Schw- )
einitz S
Clasterisporium,iSr/iie- ?
einitz S
Myxosporium
Tubercularia
Fusariuui
Deruiosporium
Sphaerosporium
Epicoccum
TEgerka 4
Periconia
Cephalotriclium 2
Isaria 18
Anthina, Fries Syst. 1
Ceratium 2
Sporidesmium \ 2
Dacridium 2
Scorias, Fries Syst. . 1
Botryosporiuaiji&Aw- ? i
einitz 5
Sciridium 2
Coryneum . 8
Gymnosporaiigium . 1
Podisoma . 2
Amphiphytum, &hw- > j
einitz S
Lichenopsis, Schiceinitz 1
R.Coliors.f/ y menomycetes
1 Order Tremdlini.
Hymenella 3
Asryrium ■ 6
Pbyllopta ; 2
Nsematellia 3
Dacrymyces ' 14
Tremella ' 15
Exidia \ 12
Lemalis, Fr. Syst. _ 5
Guepinia . 1
Cyphella . 3
Helotium • 1
2 Order. Clavati.
Pistillaria
Crinula
Caloccra
Pterula
Typhula
Clavaria
Gcoglossum
Mitrula
Spathularia
Sparassis
Uericium
3 Order. Elvellacei.
Solenia
Stictis
Ditiola
Volutella, 7'orfe
Sarea
Vibrissea
Patellaria
Tympanis
Dermea
Cenangium
Bulgaria
Ascobolus
-»Peziza
Rhizina
Leotia
Verpa
Helvetia
Mor< hella
2 Order. Pile at i.
1. Auricularini.
Hypochnus, Kz.
55
24
37
210
Syst
Stereum
Coniophora
Phlebia
Auricularia
Gausapi:', FV
Thelephora
2. Hydnci.
Radulum, Fr. Syst.
Irpex, Fr. Syst.
Sistotrema
Hydnum
Fistulina
3. Polyporei
Porotheleum
Merulius
Dtedalea
Polyporus
Boletus
4. Agaricoidei.
Schizophyllum
Cantharellus
Favolus
— Agaricus
19
13
8
60
1
21
9
L6
1
77
2
2
12
19
144
15
■ 1
. 24
. 264
3101
CLXXXIV. Algje, p. 331.
Tribe I. Diatomece.
Diatoma
Tribe II. Nostochince.
Protococcus
-Palmella
Alcyonidium
■ Nostoc
Rivularia
Tribe III. Confervoidea.
Trentepohlia
Scytonema
Mesogloia
Lyngb»a
Bangia
Conferva
Polysiphonia, Grev. )
Hutchinsia, Ag. \
Batrachospermutn
Thorea
Draparnaldia
Zygnema
Mougeotia
Ceramium
Ectocarpus
Sphacelaria
Ulvacccc.
Tribe IV.
Vaucheria
C'odium
Solenia
Ulva
Porphyra
Tribe V. Floridece.
12
Ptilota
Rhodomela
354
GENERA OF NORTH AMERICAN PLANTS.
Chondria
1
Lemania
2
Sphserococcus
Halymenia
17
Chordaria
1
4
Scytosiphon
1
Delesseria
5
Sporochnus
4
Zonaria
1
Tribe VI. Fucoidem.
Laminaria
10
Furcellaria
1
Fucus
. 8
Cystoseira
. 4
Sargassum
. 1
128
Table I.
Exhibiting the Orders of the preceding Catalogue arranged alphabetically,
with the number of Species belonging to each., and the proportion which
they bear to all the phainogamous plants.
2 i
o 3
3
_<u
orne by
,o all.
ga-
its.
u -
~ fai
in
a ^ r«
o o o
o ti
'o
■^ ~ ° 3
o si
'o
^r s
■SO
'-3 '- -S ro
72
C Z <2
.2 "c to •
3 K o "
"3^3
o
tn a. 3
r.t
o
o3 § 3
o •—
d
; ■-
O (j C.&.
fc
Names of the Orders.
£
£
r
125
Names of the Order.
fc
a.
133
Acanthaceas
7
1 : 583.00
Ebenacese
1
1 : 4,081.00
63
Acerineae
11
1 : 371.00
82
Elatineae
1
1 : 4,081.00
182
Algaj
128
36
Elreagneas
3
1 : 1,360.00
144
Alismaceae
9
1 : 453.04
57
Empetreae
2
1 : 2,040.00
88
Amaranthacex .
15
1 : 272.00
173
Equisetaceae
8
1 : 510.00
119
Apocyneas
8
1 : 510.00): 102
Ericeae
63
I : 44.07
43
Amyg-dalea;
19
1 : 214.07 55
Euphorbiaceac .
52
1 : 78.00
66
Amyrideae
1
1 : 4,081.00!; 86
Ficoidere
2
1 : 2,040.00
67
Anacardiaceas
9
1 : 453.04ii 174
Filices
73
1 : 55'09
12
Anonaceae
5
1 : 816.001! 168
Fluviales
18
1 : 226!07
152
Amaryllideac
5
1 : 816.011 10
Fumariaceae
12
1 : 340.00
1
Araliaceas
6
1 : 680.00! 181
Fungi
37
Aristolochiae
8
1 : 510.00 1 84
Gaiai ineoc
1
1 : 4,081.00
167
Aroideee
9
1 : 453.04 120
Gentianeae
55
1 : 74.02
48
Artocarpeae
3
1 : 1,300.00 j 70
Geraniacea?
8
1 : 510.00
US
Asclepiadeae
43
■ 1 : 92.05 171
Gramineae
329
1 : 12.04
16(1
Asphodelcas
19
1 : 214.07 27
Grossulaceae
26
1 : 156.09
72
Balsamineae
2
1 : 2,040.001 1 22
Guttiferae
1
1 : 4,081.00
17
BerbcrideaB
9
1 : 453.4411 30
llaloragea?
13
1 : 313.09
50
BeUilinae
15
1 : 272,00
25
Hamamelideae .
3
1 : 1,340.00
13"!
Bignoniacea;
3
1 : 1,340.00
140
Heliotropiceae
1
1 : 4,081.00
139
Boragineae
34
1 : 120.00
151
Hasmodoracea;
2
1 : 2,040.00
148
Bromeliaceaae
8
1 : 510.00
'•178
Hcpaticas
78
1 : 52.03
150
Burmannicae
2
1 : 2,040.00
145
Hydrocharideas .
3
1 : 1,340.00
28
CacteaB
7
1 : 583.00
7
Hydropeltidcoc .
Hydroleacea?
3
1 : 1,340.00
97
Callitrichineae
3
1 : 1,360.00
121
4
1 : 1,020.00
15
Calycantheaj
4
1 : 1,020.00
141
Hydrophylleae
14
1 : 291.05
105
Cumpauulaceae .
11
1 : 37I.IIH
23
[lypericineaa
32
1 : 127.05
11
Capparideae
7
1 : 533.1X1.
149
Hypoxidea: .
3
1 : 1,360.00
1 10 < 'aprifoliaceae
53
1 : 77.00;
124
Hippocastancos .
7
1 : 583.00
81
Caryophylleas
57
1 : 71.051
99
Ilicineos
17
1 : 240.00
65
Cedreleae
1
1 : 4,08.00
87
Illecebreas
7
1 : 583.00
58
Celastrineae
(i
1 : 680.00
151
Irideo?
12
1 : 340.00
98CcratophyUere
2
1 : 2,040.00
54
Juglandeae
12
1 : 340.00
179|Characeae
6
1 : 630.00 100
Jimcaginca?
5
1 ; 816.00
90 < 'henopodeae
31
1 : 131,04 157
Junceae
25
1 : 163.02
44]Chrysobalanea3 ■
1
1 : 4,081.00 138
Labiatae
108
1 : 3707
115 Cinchonaces
13
1 : 313.92
16
Lau rineas
9
1 : 453.04
31 Ciraseaceae
2
1 : 2,040.00
45
Lcguminosae
236
1 : 17.02
77 ( liatinese
12
1 : 340.00
128
Lentibulariac
13
1 : 226.07
113|Composita;
566
1 : 7.021.00!
180
Lichenes
495
1 : 8.02
146 Commelineae
7
1 : 583.00:
163
Liliacea;
29
1 : 110.07
143(Coniferas
31
1 : 131.06
32
Loaseae
4
1 : 1,020.00
122 Convolvulacca? .
35
1 : 113.(1!
106
Lobeliai i ;<•
11
1 : 371.00
85
Cra.-snlaceoe
12
1 : 340.00
117
Lorantbese
3
1 : 1,360.00
9
Cruciferac
136
1 : 30.00
175
Lycopodiaceas
18
1 : 224.07
108
(Jucurbitaceas
5
1 : 816.00,
SO
Linea?
5
1 : 816.00
49 Cupuliferae
41
1 : 99.05
13
Magnoliaceas
9
1 : 453.04
142 Cycadeae
I
1 : 4.0S1.00
19
Malvaceae
28
1 : 145.07
172
Cyperaceae
247
1 : 15.07
156
Marantacea?
4
1 : 1,020.00
56
Datisceae
1
1 : 4,081.00
176
Marsiliaceae
5
1 : 816.00
162
Dioscoreae
2
1 : 2.040.00
35
MelastomaceaB .
9
1 : 453.04
111
Dipsaceae
1
1 : 4,081.00,
158
Melanthaceae
24
1 : 170.00
79 Droseraceas
7
1 : 583.00!
64'Meliaceffi
1
1 : 4,081.00
356
NORTH AMERICAN PLANTS.
a
£
■s J
■° 5
£ 6
0) s
V bi.
oj-JS
J3 is
° 2
Names oi the Orders.
0)
°o
o
c
DQ
<**
o
d
s- « ^ .2
a,
(U 3
O 0J
Names of the Orders.
in
.•
"o
<B
&,
TJ1
o
3*31
« o a
"** ^ J2 OT
Ci- — ^ rt
18
Menispermaceae .
5
1 : 816.00
.31
Rhinanthaceae .
27
1
151.01
177
Musci
361
1
: 11.03
34
Rhizophoreae
1
1
4,081.00
136
Myoporineae
1
1
4,081.00
41
Rosaceae
106
1
38.05
53
Myriceae
4
J
1,020.00
33
Salicariae
10
1
408.01
6
Nelumboneae
2
1
2,040.00
51
Salicineae
45
1
90.06
93
Nyctagineae
11
1
: 371.00
40
Sanguisorbeae
4
1
1,020.00
5
Nymphteacete
6
1
680.00
38
Santalaceae
8
1
510.00
126
Oleaceae
14
1
291.05
62
Sapindaceae
2
1
2,040.00
29
Onagrariae
69
1
59.01
78
Sapoteae
5
1
816.00
155
Orchideae
62
1
65.08
94
Sarracenieae
1
1
: 4,081.00
129
Orobancheae
5
1
814.00
24
Saurureae
67
1
60.09
71
Oxalideae
6
1
680.00
101
Saxifrageae
6
1
680.00
107
Papayaceae
1
1
4,081.00
89
Sclcrantheae
1
1
4,081.00
164
Palms
5
1
814.00
130
Scrophularineae .
112
1
36.04
4
Papaveracese
Passifloreae
9
1
453.04
161
Smilaceae
51
1
80.00
75
4
1
1,020.00
132
Solaneae
51
1
131.06
134
Pedalinese
1
1
4,081.00
121
Spigelraceae
1
1
4,081.00
26
Philadclphea:
12
1
340.00
60
Staphyleaceoe
1
1
4,081.00
91
Phytolacceae
3
1
1,360.00
116
Stellatae
15
1
272.00
95
Piperaceae
1
1
4,081.00
100
Styraceae
IS
1
510.00
170
Pistiaceae .
6
1
680.00
21
Ternstromiaceae
4
1
1,020.00
10S
Plantagineae
15
1
272.00
39
Thymcleae
1
1
4,081.00
52
Plataneac
2
1
2,040.06
20
Tiliaceas
4
1
1,020.00
110
Pkimbagineae
3
1
1,340.00
26
Turneraceae
1
1
4,081.00
96
Podostomeae
1
1
4,081.00
166
Typliaceae
5
1
816-00
8
Podophylleae *
Polcmoniacete
2
1
2,040.00
103
Vaccineae
29
1
140.07
123
38
1
107.03
112
Valerianeae
8
1
510.00
73
i\.lygaleae
Pcnygoneae
Pomaceae
23
1
177.43
137
Verbenacete
16
1
255.00
92
47
1
86.08
74
Violaceae
35
1
113.04
42
28
1
145.07
63
Vites
10
1
408.01
159
Pontederiae
5
1
616.00
47
Ulmacese
11
1
371.00
83
Portulaceae
11
1
371.00
2
Umbelliferae
69
1
59.01
127
Primulaceae
31
1
131.06
46
Urticeae
15
1
272.00
104
Pyrolaceae
16
1
255.00
J4
Wintereae
3
1
1,340.00
3
Ranunculaceae •
107
1
38.01
68
XanthoxyleaB
4
1
1,020.00
165 Restiacea?
5
1 :
816.001
147
Xyrideae
4
1
1,020.00
59 Rhamneae
10
I :
408.011
69lZygophylle;e
2
1
2,040.00
Table II.
Exhibiting the number of Species belonging to each of the grand divisions of
the Catalogue.
VASCULARES or Flowering Plants
Exogena: . 4fr •
.1
Angiospcrmai
Polypetaloe
A petals
Achlamydeffi
MonopctalK
Gymnospermec -
Endogen/e ....
Petaloide® m .
Glumace® «, .
CELLULARES
FlLICOIDEJE. , .
Ml'SCOIDEA
Aphyll.k
Whole number of North American Plants
4,081
3,176
3,144
1.69S
1,446
32
905
329
576
4,273
104
445
3,724
8,334
358
GENERA OF NORTH AMERICAN FLOWERING
AND
FILICOID PLANTS,
ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY
WITH THE NUMBER OF THE ORDER TO WHICH THEY BELONG,
- Abies, 143
Abronia, 93
• Acacia, 45
- Acalypha, 55
*Acer, 63
, Achillea,, 113
Actinospermum, 113
Achlys. 17
Achyranthes, 87
Acmella, 113
Acnida, 90
fcAconitum, 3
— Acorus, 167
Acrostichum, 174
..Aetata, 3
Actinella, 113
Adcnarium, 81
Adenocaulon, 113
Actinomeris, 113
. Adiantum, 174
Adoxa, 24
Adonis, 3
, Adlumia, 10
JEgilops, 171
./Eschynomene, 45
• iEsculus, 61
„ ^Ethusa, 2
Agathyrsus, 113
Agave, 148
. Agrimonia, 41
— Agrostcmma, 81
•Agrostie, 171
••Aira, 171
Ajuga, 138
Alchemilla, 40
•Aletris, 160
«. Alisma, 140
Allionia, 93
- Allium, 160
- Alnus, 50
Alopecurus, 171
Alyssum, 9
- Anielaiichier, 42
•Amaranthus, 88
Amaryllis, 152
• Ambrosia, 113
A melius, 113
Ammannia, 33
Ammi, see Discoplcura
Amorpha, 45
- Amphicarpa, 45
Amsonia, 119
Amyris, 66
Anabasis, 91
•vAnagrallis, 81
Anatherix, 118
Androcera, see Nycterium
* Andromeda, 102
Andropogon, 171
Androsace, 127
Anemagrostis, 171
■•Anemone, 3
* Angelica, 2
■•Antennaria, 113
— Anthemis, 113
•» Anthoxanthum, 171
mm Antirrhinum, 130
Apargia, 113
Aplectrum, 155
v Apios, 45
— Apocynum, 119
Aphragmus, 9
«» Aquilegia, 3
mm Arabis, 9
•» Aralia, 1
* Arbutus, 102
.. Archemora, 2
„ Arctium, 113
*• Arenaria, 81
■m. Arethusa, 155
•» Argemonc, 4
Aristida, 171
Aristolochia, 37
Armeria, 110
Arnica, 113
»» Aronia, see Pyrus
••Artemisia, 113
— Arum, 167
•-Arundo, 171
^ Asarum, 37
^ Asclepias, 118
Ascyrum, 23
Asimina, 12
^Asparagus, 160
m Aspidium, 174
, Asplenium, 174
. Aster, 113
Astilbe, 24
<» Astragalus, 15
Athcropogon, 171
«. Atragenc, 3
A tie ma, 2
Atriplex, 89
Aulaxia, 171
••A vena, 171
Aviccnnia, 136
..Azalea, 102
Azolla, 176
Baccharis, 113
Balduina, 113
«» Barbarea, 9
^ Baptioia, 45
Bartonia, 120, 132
Bartsia, 131
Batschia, 139
Beckmannia, 171
Bejaria, Mx. \ lft9
Befaria, Ph. \
•Bellis. 113
^Berberis, 17
Berchemia, 59
m Betula, 50
m Bidens, 113
^Bignonia, 135
• Blechnum, 174
Blephilia, 138
Bletia, 155
— Blitum, 90
Boebera, 113
— Bcehmeria, 46
Boerhavia, 93
Boltonia, 113
Borkhausia, 113
Borya, 55
■■Botrychium, 174
Brachyris, 113
^Brasenia, 7
Braya, 9
Briza, 171
Broditea, 160
mm Bromus, 171
Brunnichia, 92
Bumelia, 101
Burmannia, 150
Buphthalmum, 113
Bupleurum, 2
Cabomba, 1
• Cacalia, 113
-Cactus, 28
Cakile, 9
■**+{ 'aladium, 167
< 'alaniilitha, 138
—Calla, 167
( alamagrostis, 171
Callicarpa, 137
Calliopsis, 113
C'allitriche, 97
CalochortuB, 163
< alopogon, 155
•■•Caltna, 3
■■Calycanthus, 15
Calycium, 1 13
mCalymenia, sec Oxybaphus
#»Calypso, 155
' '.. ni|ialilll:i, 105
Ganna, 156
Cantua, see Gilia
Capraria, 130
Gaprifolium, 116
"• Capsella, 9
• Capsicum, 132
NORTH AMERICAN PLANTS.
359
» Cardamine, 9
Carciiospermum 62
• Carduus, 113
»Carex, 172
Carica, 107
^Carpinus. 50
• Carya, 54
» Cassia, 45
• Castanea, 49
Castilleja, 131
• Catalpa, 135
Caulinia, 168
• Caulophyllum, see Lcontice
» Ceanothus, 59
fcCelastrus, 58
Celestina, 113
Celtis, 47
Cenchrus, 171
jCentaurea, 113
Ventaurella, see Bartonia
Centunculus, 127
» Cephalanthus, 115
Ceranthera, 138
■• Cerastium, 81
Ceratiola, 57
Ceratochloa, 171
» Ceratophyllum, 98
Cercis, 45
Cercocarpus, 40
Cha?rophyllum, 2
Chamajlcdon, 102
Chamaerops, 164
Chaptalia, 113
Chara, 179 «
Cheilanthes, 174
•Cheiranthus, 9
kChelone, 130
• Chelidonium, 4
► Chenopodium, 90 «
rChimaphila, 102
« Chiococca, 115
C'hionantlius, 126 <
Chloris, 171
Chondrocarpus, see Hydroco
tyle,
Chrysanthemum, 113
Chrysobalanus, 44 ,
. Chrysocoma, 113 ,
Chrysogonum, 113
► Chrysosplenium, 24
» Cichorium, 113 .
« Cicuta, 2
Cimiciiuga, 3
Cinna, 171
, Circaa, 31 .
Cissus, see Ampelopsis
, Cladium, 172
Clarckia, 29 '
, Claytonia, 83
Clematis, 3 .
Cleome, 11
Cleomella, 11
Clethra, 102
• Clinopodium, 13S •
Clintonia, 106 «
Clitoria, 48 .
Clutia, 22
Cochlearia, 9
► Collinsia, 130
. Collinsonia, 138 «
Colloniia, 123 .
Colpodium, 171 ^
Comandra, 38
Comaropsis, 4l„
Comarum, 41
I 'oiimielina. 9
tf G#mptonia, 53
^.G#nium, 2
Conostylis, see Lopliiola
r- Gonvallaria, 161
— Gon volvulus, 122
G«nyza, 113
«*Coptis, 3
^.Corallorhiza, 155
— Coreopsis, 113
Corispermum, 90
^•Cornus, 116
Cwonopsis, see Senebiera
*-Corydalis, 10
-. Gorylus, 49
Crannichis, 155
••Crantzia, 2
^Ggitsgus, 42
. Gainutn, 152
Crotallaria, 45
Gpoton, 55
Geotonopsis, 55
Cryptis, 171
G*yptogramma, 174
C»ypta, 82
<■• C*yptot»nia, 2
Cucubalus, 81
^Cucurbita, 108
— Cunila, 138
Cwphea, 33
■*• Giipressus, 143
a. Cuscuta, 122
^Cyamus, see Nelumbium
•w Gymbidium, see aalopogon
Cymopterus, 2
Cynodorj, 171
Cynanchum, 118
Cynara, 113
■• Cynoglossum, 139
Cynoscyadum, 2
Cynthia, 113
^Cyperus, 172
•■Cippripedium, 155
Cyrilla, 102,
p-D«ctylis, 17LJ_
Dalea, 45
• Dalibarda, 41
.Danthonia, 171
Darlingtonia, 45
Datisca, 56
.Datura, 132
.Derucus, 2
► Decodon, 33
Decumaria, 26
■Delphinium, 3
Deschampsia, 171
■ Denlaria, 9
'Desmodium, 45
Diamorpha, 85
iDianthus, 81
Diapensia, 124
Dichondra, 122
Dkhroma, 172
Dicksonia, see Aspidium
• Diclytra, 10
.Diervilla, 116
»Digitaria, 171
Dilatris, 151
Diodia, 115
i Diona>a, 79
Dioscorea, 162
Diospyros, 125
Diotis, 90
Diphylleia, 17
Dipsacus, HI
^D*rca, 39
•»• Uiscopleura, 2
Ditaxis, 55
Dodecathcon, 127
U#lichos, 45
JJania,see Grindelia
D^uglassia, 127
m Daaba, 9
» Dracocephalum,138
w Drosera, 79
Drummondia, D. C. 24
Drummondia, Hook, 177
Dryas, 3
Dupontia, 171
— Dulichium, 172
• Echinospermum, 139
Echites, 119
.. Echiuin, 139
Eclypta, 113
Eleagnus, 36
•»>Eleusine, 171
Ellisia, 141
•> Elodea, Mx. see Udora
Elymus, 171
Elytraria, 133
Euipctrum, 57
Enemion, 3
Enslenia, 118
•kEjpiphagus, 129
Epidendrum, 155
„Bpigoea, 102
•. Epilobium, 29
Epimedium, 17
•Equisetum, 173
Erianthus, 171
Emgenia, 2
^— Erigeron, 113
Eriocaulon, 169
Eriogonum, 92
Eriocoma, 171
%» Eriophorum, 172
Eriophyllum, 113
— Ervum, 45
Eryng-ium, 2
•Erysimum, 9
Epythrioa, 45
^Erythronium, 163
^Euchroma, 31
Eulophus, 2
•» Eupatorium,113
•> Euphorbia, 55
Euphrasia, 131
Emolvulus, 112
Ewtriana, 171
«— E^onymus, 58
Eutoca, 141
Exacum, 120
Exoecaria, 131
-» Fagus 49
Fedia, 112
Ferula, 2
•Kistuca, 171
Fimbristylis, 172
« FJjErkca, 7
F0restierai3eeBory&
F«thcrgilla, 126
*»Fragaria, 41
Fsasera, 120
qptFraxinus, 126
^Frittillaria, L63
Fuirena, 172
«- Fuuiaria, 10
Gagea, 160
Galactia, 45
GaJardia, 113
360
GENERA OF
Galax, 84
» Galeopsis, 138
, Galium, 114
Gaultheria, 102
Gaura, 29
Gelsemium, 119
Genista, 45
Gentiana, 120
Geranium, 70
. Gerardia, 131
Geum, 41
Gilia, 123
Gillenia, 41
Glaucium, 45
Glaux, 127
Glechoma, 138
Gleditschia, 45
Glottidium, 45
Glycine, 45
Glycirrhiza, 45
Gnaphalium, 113
Gonolobus, 118
Goodyera, 155
Gordonia, 21
Gratiola, 130
Grindelia, 113
Gymnocladus, 45
Gymnopogon. 171
Gymnostylis, 113
Gynandropsis, 11
Gyromia, see Medeola
Habenaria, 155
Halesia, 100
Halseya, 45
Hamamelis, 25
Hamiltonia, 38
Hapalostachyum, 113
Harpalyce, 113
Hedeoma, 138
Hedysarum, 45
Helenium, 113
Helianthemum, 77
aHelianthus, 113
Heliopsis, 113
Heliotropium, 140
■Hclonias, 158
Helosciadium, 2
Hemiantbus, 130
Hepatica, 3
Heracleum, 2
Hcrpestis, 130
Hesperis, 9
Heteranthera, 159
Heuchera, 24 .
Hibiscus, 19
■Hieracium, 113
Hippuris, 30
Hippophae, 36
. Holcus, 171
Holosteum, 81
Hopea, 100
Horkelia, 41
. Hordeum, 171
Hosackia, 45
Hottonia, 127
» Houstonia, 120
, Hudsonia, 77
- Humulus, 46
. Hydrangea, 116
Hydrastis, 3
Hydrochloa, 171
Hydrocotyle, 2
Hydrolea,124
Hydrocharis, 145
k Hydrapeltis, see Brasenia
m* "Hydrophyllum, 141 mm Ligusticum, 2
^Hyoscyamus, 132 »Lilium, 163
Hymenopappus, 113 *— Ljmosella, 9
Hymenophyllum, 174 Limnetis, 171
^ Hypericum, 23 ^Lyidernia, 130
mm Hypopeltis, see Woodsia «. Linnsa, 116
^m Hypoxis, 149 w»Linum, 80
►«. Ltypopithys, see Monotropa — Liparis, 155
Hyptis, 138 Liquidambar, 52
JHyssopus, see Lophanthus <» Liriodendron, 13
Jatropha, 55
Iberis, 9
mm Jeffersonia, 8
Ilex, 99
lllicium, 14
— - Inapatiens, 72
Imperitoria, 2
.— Indigofera, 45
►.Inula, 113
Ionidium, 74
^» Ipamcea, 122
lpomeria, see Ipomopsis
Ipamopsis, 123
Iresine, 88
Isanthus, 138
^^Isnardia, 29
Isoetcs, 176
Itea, 24
m, Juglans, 54
MkJuncus, 157
^•Juniperus, 143
Jussisa, 29
^Justicia, 133
Iva, 113
/.via, sec Nemostylis
- Kalmia, 102
Kleinia, 113
Kobresia, 172
Kochia, 90
Koeleria, 171
Krameria, 73
Krigia, 113
— Kubnia, 113
Kyllingia, 172
Lachnanthes 151
^ Lactuca, 113
» Lamium, 138
Lantana, 137
Larbrsa, 81
Larix, 145
Lapsana, 113
mm Lathyrus, 45
mm Laurue, 16
mm Lechea, 77
m Ledum, 102
Lcersia, 171
Lcimanthium, 158
Leiopbyllum, 102
_ Lcmna, 170
•» Lcontice, 17
mm Lcontodon, 1 13
mv Leonurus, 138
Lepuropetalon, 24
^_ Lopidium, 9
Leptochloa, 171
~m Leptandra, 130
Laptarrhcna, 24
Lisianthus. 000
mm Listera, 155
mr> Lithospermum, 139
— Lobelia, 106
._ Lolium, 171
*• Lonicera, 116
Lophiola, 151
m Ludwigia, 29
m Lunaria, 9
mm Lupinus, 45
•vLuzula, 157
mm Lychnis, 81
Lycium, 132
^»Lycopodium, 175
mm Lycopsis, 139
mm Lycopus, 138
Lygodesmia, 113
Lygodium, 174
Lyonia, Nutt. see Andromeda
» Lysimachia, 127
— Lythrum, 33
Macbridea, 138
M^clura, 48
mm Macrotys, 3
*» Magnolia, 13
Mahonia, see Berberis
Malacodendron, 21
•» Malaxis, 155
Malope, 19
— Malva, 119
Mammillaria, 28
M^inisurus, 171
mm Maranta, 156
Mariscus, J 72
m*> Marrubium, 138
Marsilea, 176
Marshallia, 113
Mfiurandia, 130
Martynia, 134
Matalea, 118
Mcconopsis, 4
«• Medicago, 45
_. Melampyruin, 131
Melanthium, 158
Mtlaiiantliorn, 113
Mclia, 64
Melica, 171
mm. Mfelilotus, 45
m Melissa, 138
Melothria, 108
»»Menispermum, 18
•.Mentha, 138
•-Menyanthes, 120
Mentzelia, 32
M*nziesia, 102
Msrcurialis, 55
MJcranthemum,127
liCUirii I living /* i -'— - — ™ - ?
Leptantfms, see Ueteranthcra'*37«ropcio/o?!> see Stellana
Leptocaulis, 2 Microstylis, 155
Lsptopoda, 113 M*igia, 171
Lcpturus, 171 Mjkania, 113
Le^spedeza, 45 — M^ium, 171
Leucas, 138 Mi'imilus, 130
Lcwisia, 85 - Mitchella, 115
Liatris, 113 •■ Mitella, 24
NORTH AMERICAN PLANTS.
561
Mitreola, 120
, Mollugo, 81
p Momordica, 108
Monarda, 138
Monocera, 171
Monotropa, 104
Montia, 83
■ Morus, 48
► Muhlenbergia, 171
Alyginda, see Ilex
Mylocariutn, 102
Myosotis, 139
Myosurus, 3
. Myrica, 53
Myriophyllum, 30
Myrrhis, 2
Nardus, 171
Narthecium, 158
Nemophila, 141
Nemostylis, 154
Nectris, see Cabomba
Negundium, 6£
► Neottia, 155
. Nemopanthes, 99
i Nepeta, 138
Neurosperma, 108
Nicandra, 132
Nicotiana, 132
Nolina, 158
Nycterium, 132
Nuphar, 5
Nuttallia, 19
Nymphffia, 5
Nyssa, 38
Obolaria, 120
(Enanthe, 2
CEnothera, 29
Oldenlandia, 115
Olea, 126
i Onoclea, 174
Onosmodium, 139
Ophioglossum, 139
Ophiorhiza, see Mitreola
Oplotheca, 88
Oporinea, 113
, Opuntia, 28
Orchis, 155
. Origanum, 138
Ormthogalum, 160
Ornus, 126
Orobanche, 129
Orobus, 45
Orontium, 167
Orthopogon, see Panic um
Orthocarpus, 45
Oryzopsis, 171
Osmorhiza, 2
Osmunda, 174
Ostrya, 50
Oxalis, 71
Oxybaphus, 93
Oxycoccus, 103
Oxydenia, see Leptochloa
Oxyria, 92
Oxytropis, 45
Pachysandra, 55
► Paonia, 3
• Panax, 1
Pancratium, 152
Panicum, 171
Papaver, 4
Parietaria, 55
Paronychia, 87
Parnassia, 24
Parrya, 9
Parthenium, 113
Paspalum, 171
«• ltossiflora, 75
■m Pastinaca, 2
Pavia, 61
Pectis, 113
•». Pcdicularis, 131
Pennicctum, 170
m» lienthorum, 85
— ■ Pentstemon, 130
Replis, 32
•*» Periploca. 118
Peritoma, 11
Petalostcmon, 45
Peucedanum, 2
•* Phaca, 45
Phacclia, 1-1 i
Phajthusa, 000
Phalangium, sec be ilia
— Phalaris, 171
mm Phaseolus, 45
mm Philadelphus, 26
Philoxerus, 87
— Phleum, 171
•» Phlox, 123
m Phryma, 137
Phyllactis, 112
» Phyllanthus, 55
„ Physalis, 132
•Physostegia, 138
m» Phytolacca, 91
Btnguicula, 128
Binckne3'a, 115
mm Piper, 95
— Pinus, 145
-. Piptathcnun, 171
Pistia, 170
-» Pisum, 45
Plancra, 47
^Plautago, 109
Platanantbeia, 155
«. Platanus, 52
Plumbago, 110
Pleea, 158
Pleuraphis,171
Iileuropogon, 171
~ Poa, 171
Pleclritis, 112
Podalyria, 45
«• Podophyllum, 8
«► Podostemum, 96
_ Pogonia, 155
mM Polanisia, 11
Polcmonium, 123
mm Polycarpon, 87
Pelycnemum, 90
Polygala, 73
Primula, 127
m- Prinos, 99
Pri3matocarpus,105
Proscrpinaca, 30
Prosopis, 45
- Prunella, 138
«• Prunus, 43
Psilotum, 175
Psoralea, 45
Psychotria, 115
Ptelea, 68
m Pteris, 174
Pterocaulon, 113
^ Pterospora, 104
+* Pulmonaria, 139
Pursliia, 4!
—» Bycnanthemum, 138
Pyrethium, 113
• Pyrola, 1 04
— Pyrus, 42
Pyxidanthera, 124
_ Oucrcus, 49
_ Criteria, sceAnychia
m» Ranunculus, 3
m» Rhamnus, 59
^ Rhexia, 55
mm Rhinanthus, 131
my Rhododendron, 102
Rhodora, 102
^ Rhus, 67
Rhynchosia, 45
Rhynchospora, 172
• Ribes, 27
^ Ricinus, 55
Rivina, 91
■m. Robinia, 45
•» Rochelia, see Echinospermum
mm Rosa, 41
Rottbollia, 171
•» Rubia, 114
^ Rubus, 41
— . Rudbeckia, 113
Ruellia, 133
■»> Rumex, 92
Ruppia, 168
Sabal, 164
Sabbatia, 120
■*" Saccharum, 171
*■ Sagittaria, 144
»• Salicornia, 96
— Salix, 51
Salsola, 91
"* Salvia, 138
Salvinia, 176
<•— Sambucus, 116
► Samolus, 127
^'Sanguinaria, 4
Pohjzonatum, see Convallariap-Sanguisorba, 40
„, Polygonum, 92
Polymnia, 113
— « Polypodium, 174
Polypogon, 171
Polypremum, 120
Pulypteris, 113
Polyta;nia, 2
^ Pontederia, 159
Pomaria, 45
m9 Populus, 51
Porcclia, see Asimina
mm Portulacca, 83
m- Potamogeton, 168
.. Potentilla, 41
m . Poterium, 40
Pothos, see Symplocarpus
mm Prenanthes, 113
56
•• Sanicula, 2
Santolina, 113
Sapindus, 62
* Saponaria, 81
m, Sarracenia, 78
mr Sarolhra, see Hypericum
^ Saururus, 94
_ Saxifraga, 24
Scheucbzeria, 169
Schizandra, 18
m Schizaja, JP74
- SchcenusfTV2
Schollera, 159
Schrankia, 45
— Scirpus, 172
Schwalbea, 130
Schweinitzia, 104
362
GENERA Of
Scilla, 160
Scleria, 174
■ Scleranthus, 89
Scolopendrium, 174
Scorzonera, 113
Scrophularia, 130
Scutellaria, 138
Secale, 171
Sedum, 85
Selloa, 113
Selinum, 2
Senecio, 113
Sennebiera, 9
Serpicula, see Udora
Sesbania, 45
Seseli, 3
Sesleria, 171
Sesuvium, 86
Seymeria, 131
Shepherdia, 36
Shubertia, 145
Sibbaldia, 41
Sicyos, 108
Sida, 19
Siegesbeckia, 113
Silene, 81
Silphium, 113
Sison, 2
Sisymbrium, 9
t* Sisyrinchium, 154
^ Sium, 2
... Smitacina, see Convallaria
Smilax, 161
Smyrnium, 2
Solanum, 132
Solea, 74
Solidago, 113
Soliva, 113
Sonchus, 113
Sophora, 45
Sorbus, see Pyrus
Sorghum, 171
Sparganium, 166
Sparganophorus, 113
Spergula, 81
Spermacoce, 115
. Spigelia, 121
Spirsa, 4 1
. Stachys, 138
Stanleya, 9
«••■ Staphylea, 60
Starkea, 113
Statice, 110
Stellaria, 81
Stenotaphrum, 171
Stevia, 113
Styllingia, 55
Stipa, 111
Stipulicida, 162
Stokesia, 113
Streptopus, 161
Struthiopterus, 174
Stuartia, 21
Stylandra, 118
Stylophorum, see Meconopsis
Stylosanthes, 45
Styrax, 100
»»• Subularia, 9
Swertia, 120 «
Swictenia, 65
Syena, 159 <
«■ Symphoria, 116
, ,Symplocarpus, 167
Synandra, 138
Talinum, 83
•-Tanacctum, 113
•• Taxus, 145
w Tellima, 24
m Tepbrosia, 45
Tetragonotheca, 113
. Teucrium, 138
Thalia, 156
«> Ulialictrum, 3
Thapsia, see Cymopterua
Thaspiurn 2
T^ermia, see Thermopsis
Xkermopsis, 45
• Hkesium, see Comandra
- Thlaspi, 9
-Th/iya, 145
• Thymus, 138
*. Tiarella, 24
Tigarea, see Purshia, i
^ TJiiia, 20
Tillaa, 85
Tillandsia, 148
Tipularia, 155
Tofieldia, 158
•^ Tradcseantia, 146
• Trasfopyrum, 92
Tiagia, 55
Trepocarpus, 2 <
Tribulus, 69
Trichonema, 154
Trichodium, 171 *
Trichochloa, 171 ,
Trichophoruvi, see Eriopho-
■" rum
Trichophyllum, 113
Trichostema, 138 *
Tridens, 171
- Tricntalis, 127 <
*» Trifolium, 45
Trifflochin, 169
rFris;onella, see Hosackia
^Trillium, 161
^-Triosteum, 116
— Triphora, 155
Tripsacum, 171
Triptarella, see Burmannia
Trisetum, 171
Triteleija, 160
^Triticum, 171
Trollius, 3
Troximon, 113
Turritis, 9
Turnera, 76
»■ Tussilago, 113
» Typha, 166
Udora, 145
* Ulmus, 47
U-niola, 171
-» Uraspermum, 2
Uralepis, 171
w Urtica, 46
Utricularia, 128
m Uvularia, 161
m Vaccinium, 103
Vaginaria, 172
» Valeriana, 112
Valerianella, 112
« Vallisneria, 145
«k Veratrum, 158
_ Verbascum, 132
% Verbena, 137
Verbesina, 113
^. Vernonia, 113
— Veronica, 130
wm Ycsicaria, 9
••Viburnum, 116
«■ Vicia, 45
* Villarsia, 120
« Viola, 74
Virgilia, 45
Viscum, 117
■»■ Vitis, 63 (a)
Vittaria, 175
Wendlandia, see Cocculus
Windsoria, 171
Hfisteria, 45
-T Woodsia, 174
— ■ Woodwardia, 174
» Xanthium, 113
Xerophyllum, 158
* Xanthoxylum, 68
M Xylosteum, 116
- Xyris, 147
Zamia, 142
Zannichellia, 168
«» Zanthorhiza, 3
Zapania, 137
*» Zjgadenus, 158
Zinnia, 113
Zfzania, 172
•• Zizia, 2
Ziziphus, see Berchemia
Zj*rnia, 45
Zpstera, 163
I N D E X
The names printed in Italics are only incidentally noticed ; those in Roman letters form
principal subject at the page referred to.
Abelia, 210
Abies pectinata, 248
balsamea, 248
canadensis, 248
Abolboda, 254
Abricot sauvage,44
Abronia, 169
Abrus precatorius, 89
Abuta amara, 32
candicans, 32
Abutilon esculentum, 33
Acacia, 87
arabica, 89
nilotica, 89
Catechu, 89
scandens, 90
senegalensis, 90
Accena, 79
Acsena, 79
Acalypha Cupameni, 101
Acanthacece, 214, 225
Acanthacese, 231
Acanthus mollis, 232
Acer sacharinum, 115
Acerinese, 115
Acerinece, 113,117
Achillea nana, 197
Achlamydeous plants, 2
Achlys, 31
Achras Sapota, 178
Acicarpha, 291
Acid, benzoic, 91, 197
acetic, 311
carbazotic, 91
gallic, 311
Tunic, 202
moroxylic, 94
rheumic, 167
suberic, 96
phosphoric, 272
igasuric, 213
Acoita cavallos, 40
Aconitum, 6
Cammarum, 7
Napellus, 7
ferox, 7
Acorinfe, 283
Acorus, 283
Calamus, 221
Calumus, 285
Acotyledones, 305, 326
Acrocomia sclerocarpa, 278
Acrostichum furcatum, 300
Huaczaro, 311
Aetata racemosa, 7
Actinocarpus, 251
Adamia, 205
Adansonia, 35
Adenandra, 131
Adenarium, 162
Adiantum malanocaulon, 311
pedatum, 311
Capillus Veneris, 311
Adonis, 7
Adoxa, 48
^Echma, 276
iEgialitis, 193
iEgiceras, 222
yEgilops, 297
./Eginetia, 226
^Egle Marmelos, 122
jEschynomene grandiflora, 89
JEsculus, 113
iEtheogamous plants, 304
./Ethusa Cynapium, 5
Agallochum tribe, 75
Agarns, 304
Agathelpis, 236
Agathis, 247
Agathosma, 131
Agave, 254, 255
Agdestis, 31
Agrimonia Eupatoria, 80
Agrostis algida, 295
Ailantkus, 86
Aiphanes Praga, 278
Airi, 280
Aizoon, 160
Akund, 211
Alangieae, 65
Alangium decapetalum, 66
bexnpetalum, 06
364
INDEX.
Alcamphora, 162
Alchemilla arvensis, 79
vulgaris, 79
Aleurites ambinux, 101
Aletris farinosa, 272
Alfonisia amygdalina, 278
Alga, 1
Algee, 334
Algaroba, 89
Ahsma Plantago, 251
AlismaceeB, 6, 11
Alismaceae, 251
Alkanet, 239
Alamanda cathartics, 212
Allecrim brabo, 47
Alliacese, 271
Allopectus, 225
Almond tribe, 83
Alnus, 96
Aloe, 254
Aloe, 272
spicata. 272
perfoliata, 272
AloineEe, 271
Alopecurus, 291
Alpinia, 264
nutans, 264
racemosa, 265
Galanga, 265
Alsine, 154
Alsodinea?, 144
Alstonia theiformis, 177
Alstromeria salsilla, 258
Althaea rosea, 34
officinalis, 34
Althein, 34
Alum root, 49, 137
Alyssum, 17
Alzatea, 108
Amanita muscaria, 332
Amarantacea?, 163
Amarantacece, 154, 155, 164
Amaranth tribe, 163
Amaranthus obtusifolius, 163
Amaryllidea, 250
Amaryllidea?, 257
Amaryllis ornata, 258
Ambraria, 201
Amelanchier, 82
Amelanchier, 84
Amentaceec, 77, 97
Amherstia, nobilis, 89
Amirola, 114
Ammannia vesieatoria, 69
Amomum aromaticum, 265
Amoraum Grana Paradisi, 265
maximum, 265
Ampelidese, 117
Amphilochia, 141
Amygdalcsc, 82
Amygdalece, 80, 84, 86
Amygdalus mycrophylla, 83
Amygdalus cochinchinensis, 83
persica, 84
Amyridese, 124
Amyridece, 86, 122
Amy r is, 128
hexandra, 124
toxifera, 124
ambrosiaca, 124
Anacardiacete, HO, 113
Anacardiacese, 125
Anacardiese, 127
Anacardium orientale, 127
occidentale, 126
Ananassa, 255
Anandrae, 326
Anasser, 28
Anaxagorea, 22
Anchietea salutaris, 145
Anchusa virginica, 239
tinctoria, 239
Anda, 102
Andraea, 317
Andromeda ovalifolia, 180
Androsace, 157
Androsace, 224
Andropogon, 291
Schoenanthus, 301
citratum, 301
Nardus, 301
Aneilema, 253
Aneilema, 271
Anemonea?, 8
Angiopteris evecta, 311
Angiospermce, 2
Angostura bark, 131
Anise, 5
Anisette de Bourdeaux, 26
Anisochilus, 238
Anona palustris, 22
laurifolia, 22
sylvatica, 22
Anonas, 21
Anonaceae, 21
Anonacece, 22, 23, 24, 30, 31
Anopterus, 214
Anthemis Pyrethrum, 197
Cotula, 197
Anthenantia, 292
Anthericum bicolor, 272
Anthcrylium, 59
Anthisf'iria, 292
Anthobolus, 73
Anthocercis, 231
Anthodon, 110
Antholoma, 45, 46
Anthospermene, 201
Anthoxanthum odoratum, 301
Anthyllis cretica, 89
Antiaris, 93
Antidesma, 95
Antirhea, 203
Antirrhinesp, 226
365
Apeiba, 40
Apetalous plants, 2
Aphylla?, 326
AphyllarUhes, 254
Apocyneae, 23, 211
ApocynecB, 200, 201, 204, 207
Aponogeton, 170
distachyon, 287
Apostasia, 260
Apple, monstrous, 62, 843
Apple Tribe, 81
Apricot, 83
Aquifoliaceaj, 175
Aquilaria Agallochum, 75
ovata, 75
Aquilarineae, 75
Aquilarinea, 74, 215
Aquilegia, 6, 8
Arabis, 17
chinensis, 17
Arachis, 87
Aralia, 4
Aralia Tribe, 4
umbellifera, 4
Araliaceee, 2, 5, 51, 206
Araliaceae, 4
Araticu do Mato, 22
Aracaria, 246
excelsa, 247
Dombeyi, 248
Arayana, 234
Arbutus Unedo, 180
Archil, 329
Arctostaphylos, 180
Uva Ursi, 180
alpina, 180
Arcticum Bardana, 198
Ardisia, 223
Areca Catechu, 280
Arenaria peploides, 154
Arethusea?, 263
Argemone mexicana, 9
Arguzise, 241
Arhizfe, 304
Aristolochia rotunda, 71
longa, 71
Clematitis, 71
bracteata, 71
indica, 71
odoratissima, 71
fragrantissima, 71
serpentaria, 72
serpentaria, 170
Aristolochiae, 71
Aristolochia, 197
Armeria, 193
Arnica, 197
Arnotto Tribe, 149
Aroidese, 284
Aroidem, 2, 172, 173, 251, 283
Arracacha, 138
Arrack, 179, 279
Arrow-root Tribe, 265
Artabotrys odoratissima, 22
Artemisia chinensis, 197
maderaspatana, 197
indica, 197
Dracunculus, 197
Arthrodiea;, 334
Artichoke, 198
Jerusalem, 197
Artocarpese, 93
Artocarpete, 92, 97, 101, 179
Artocarpus incisa, 93
Arueira Shrub, 127
Arum Tribe, 284
Arum ovatum, 285
esculentum, 285
triphyllum, 285
Colocasia, 285
mucronatum, 285
violaceum, 285
macula turn, 285
sagittifolium, 285
cordatum, 285
italicum, 285
Arundinaria, 302
Arundo arenaria, 301
Arvore de Paina, 36
Asarinse, 71
Asarum canadense, 72
europaeum, 72
Ascarina, 170
Asclepiadese, 28
Asclepiadece, 54, 159
Asclepias decumbens, 210
lactifera, 210
aphylla, 270
stipitacea, 210
volubilis, 210
tuberosa, 211
curassavica, 211
Ash, 128
Ash, 222
Asimina triloba, 22
x\sparagi, 271
Asparagin, 272, 34
Asparagus, 272
Asparagus, 166
Asperifolia?, 239
Asperula cynanchica, 200
odorata, 200
Asphodeleae, 271
Asphodel Tribe, 271
AsphodelecB, 2, 54, 159, 254, 25,
69, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274,
275, 277
Aspicarpa, 117
Aspidium fragrans, 312
Filix mas, 311
Assafcetida, 5
Astragalus creticus, 90
Astranthus, 78
ARtrapsea, 37
366
1NJJETC.
Astronia, 61
Atherospermeae, 28
Atkerospermece, 28, 29
Ativisha, 7
Atriplex hortensis, 185
Atriplices, 164
Atropa Belladonna, 230
Attalea amygdalina, 278
Attar of Roses, 80
Aucuba, 206
Augusta, 202
Aurantiaceas, 121
Aurantiacea, 42, 76, 128, 131
Averhoa Bilimbi, 138
Avicennia, 237
tomentosa, 235
Avocada Pear, 29
Axanthes, 202
Ayer Ayer, 119
Azalea, 180
procumbens, 180
pontica, 180
Azolla, 1
Azolla, 316
Bactris, 280
Badiera, 143
Baeomyces, 329
Balanophorese, 286
Balanophorecs, 286
Balm ofGilead, 125, 238
Balsam Canadian, 248
Hungarian, 248
Carpathian, 248
of Copaiva, 90, 127
of Acouchi, 125
of Mecca, 125
ofTolu, 90
of Umiri, 121
Balsam Tribe, 139
Balsaminece, 138, 139
Balsamineae, 139
Balsamodendrum gileadense, 125
Opobalsamuin, 125
Bamboo, 278, 300
Bambuseae, 302
Bambusa, 291
Banana Tribe, 267
Banisteria, 117
Banisterieae, 117
Banksia, 84
integrifolia, 70
Banyan Tree, 94
Baobab, 35
Baphia, 87
Baptisia tinctoria, 90
Baraldeia, 59
Barbaccnnia, 256, 257
Barbadoes Cherry Tribe. 116
Barclaya, 11
Barley, 300
Barringtonia, 62
Barringtonieffi, 65
Bartramia, 318
Bartsia, 228
Basella, 165
Basil, 238
Bassia butyracea, 179
longifolia, 179
Bassorin, 262
Baueraceas, 49
Baueraceee, 48
Bauhinia, 84
Bauhinia tomentosa, 90
Bdellium, 124
Bead Tree Tribe, 118
Beam tree, 82
Bean Caper Tribe, 134
Bean, 88
Bean of Pythagoras, 12
Beans, 89
Beech, 95
Beet, 165
Benincasa cerifera, 190
Begoniaceae, 168
Begonia, 205
Bejuca de la Estrella, 71
Belleric Myrobalan, 66
Bellis, 198
Belvisiaceas, 177
Bengao de Deos, 33
Benthamia, 239
Benzoic acid, 91, 300, 177
Benzoin, 1
Berberideas, 30
Berberidece, 13, 22, 28,31
Berberis vulgaris, 31
Berberry Tribe, 30
Berchernia volubilis, 112
Bergera Konigii, 122
Bergia, 156
Bertholletia excelsa, 44
Berzelia, 50
Betel, 172, 237, 280
Betulinea?, 96
Betulinece, 91, 95, 247
Beurreria, 241
Bidens tripartita, 197
Biebersteinia, 134
Bignonia Chica, 234
Cherere, 234
Bignoniaceae, 234
Bignoniacece, 39, 214, 225, 232
Bikh, or Bish, 7
Bilberry Tribe, 181
Billardiera, 136
Billbergia, 255
Bindweed Tribe, 216
Biophytum, 138
Birch, black, 96
Birch Tribe, 96
Birdlime, 206, 212
Birthworth Tribe, 77
Bishma, or Bikhma, 7
Bixineas, 149
INDEX.
357
BLxinece, 78, 179, 49
Blackberry, 80
Blackburnia, 129
Black Lac, 120
Blackwellia, 78
Bladder green, 111
Bladder Nut Tribe, 112
Bladhia, 223
Blakea triplinervia, 01
Blandfordia, 277
Bletia verecunda, 202
Blighia sapida, 115
Blitum, 105
Blood-root Tribe, 256
Blyxa, 253
Bobas, 131
Bocagea, 21, 30
Bocconia, 8
Boerhaavia, 109
Bohmeria, 92
Bois de Colophane, 125
de Joli coeur, 130
puant, 44
d'huile, 110
Bolivaria, 221
Bombaceae, 34
Bombaceee, 33, 34
Bombax pentandrum, 35
Boneset, 197
Bonplandia trifoliata, 131
Bontia, 235
Boopideae, 198
Boottia, 253
Borage Tribe, 239
Boragineae, 239
Boraginece, 100, 133, 210, 219, 237,
Borago officinalis, 239
Borasseae, 280
Borassus flabelliformis, 278
Boronia, 131
Borreria, 201
Boscia, 19
Boswellia serrata, 125
glabra, 125
Botrychium, 312
Box, 102, 103
Brassia, 203
Brassica, 18
Brayera anthelmintica, 80
Brazil nuts, 45
Brazil wood, 92
Braziletto wood, 88
Bread-fruit Tribe, 93
Brejeuba, 280
Brexiacem, 110
Bridelia spinosa, 102
Brodisea, 272
Brodi<ea, 100
Bromeliaceae, 254
Bromeliacea, 204, 284
Bromus, 293
Bronnia, 159
Broom, 88
Broom-rape Tribe, 225
Brosimum alicastrum, 94
Broussonetia papyrifera,90
Brncea ferruginea, 131
antidysenterica,129
Brucia, 129
Bruguiera, 00
Bruniaceae, 50
Bruniacece, 51, 70
Brunonia sericea, 188
australis, 188
Brunoniaceae, 187
BrunoniacecB, 185
Brunsvigia, 258
Brionia rostrata, 191
cordifolia, 191
epigaea, 191
scabra, 191
Bryum, 318
Bubon Galbanum, 5
Buchnera, 228
Bucida Buceras, 00
Buck-wheat Tribe, 107
Bucku Tribe, 129
Buena, 202
Bulbocodium, 270
Bulrush Tribe, 283
Buncozia, 117
Bunias, 18
Bunium bulbocastanum, 5
Burchellia, 201
Burmanniae, 255
Burmannia, 254, 259
Burnet, 81
Burnet Tribe, 78
240Burneya,202
Bursaria, 130
Bursera paniculata, 125
acuminata, 125
Burseraseae, 124
Burseracece, 0, 28, 124, 128
Butea frondosia, 90
superba, 90
Butua do curvo, 43
Butomeas, 251
ButomecR, 11, 251, 271
Butter Tree of Park, 179
Butter and Tallow Tree, 45
Butterfly weed, 212
Buttneriaceae, 30, 37
Biittnericece, 30, 39, 100, 111
Buxos, 104
Byblis, 151
Byssoideae, 329
Byssaceae, 334
Caapim de Angola, 301
Cabbage, 17
Cabombea?, 12
Cacalia sonchifolia, 197
alpina, 197
earracenicn, 197
Cachen, 210
368
INDEX.
Caclea. 102, 157, 159,. 53
Cactese, 53
Cactoides, 53
Cactus Opuntia, 54
mammillaris, 54
Cadaba, 19
Csenosantheae, 91
Caesalpinia, 86
braziliensis, 90
Bonduccella,89
digyna, 86
Caffein, 203
Cajeputi Oil, 64
Caladium Seguinum, 287
Calamus Draco, 280
rudentum, 278
Calathea, 269
Calceolaria, 227
Calendula, 199
Calla palustris, 285
Callicarpa Janata, 237
CallitrichmecB, 55, 57
Callitrichineae, 173
Callitris, 247
Calochortus, 277
Calophyllum, 44
Calostemma, 258
Calotropis gigantea, 213
Caltha, 7
Caltha, 13
Calycanthece, 24, 26, 27
Calycantliese, 26
Calycanthemse, 58
Calycanthus, 9
Calycerece, 193, 195, 238
Calycereas, 198
Calypso, 110
Calyptrenthus aromatica, 64
Calyptrion, 144
Calytrix, 64
Cambaibinha, 25
Camellieffi, 42
Camellia oleifera, 43
japonica, 43
Camomile, 196
Campanula Rapunculus, 184
Campanulacece, 106, 179, 185, 190, 201
201
Campaniilacea?, 182
Campanula Tribe, 182
Camphor, 30
Camphor Tree Tribe, 41
Campulosus, 292
Campynema, 269
Cananga virgata, 22
Canarina campanula, 184
Canarium, 88
commune, 125
Cancer powder, 228
Cane, 280
Canella alba, 119
Cannabinse, 91
Cannabis sativa, 91
Cannecs, 264, 265
Cannae, 263
Cantua, 218
Caoutchouc, 93, 101, 104, 212
Caper Tribe, 19
Caperonia, 32
Capillaire, 311
Capitase do Matto, 237
Capparidece, 14, 21, 105, 146
Capparidese, 19
Capparese, 20
Capparis spinosa, 20
pulcherrima, 20
Caprifoliacea, 2, 4, 118, 193, 200, 203
Caprifoliaceffi, 204
Caprifoliea?, 204
Capsicum, 230
Carallia, 59
Caralluma, 210
Caranja da Terra, 122
Caraway, 5
Carbazotic acid, 91
Cardamoms, 265
Cardiospermum halicacabum, 115
Cardo santo, 9
Cardoon, 198
Carduus benedictus, 198
Marianus, 198
Carex arenaria, 303
disticha, 303
hirta, 303
Carica, 189
Caricea?, 191
Caricinee, 303
Carissa, 213
edulis, 212
Carlina acanthifolia, 198
Carmichaelia, 16
Carmichaelia, 87, 89
Carolina Allspice Tribe, 27
Carpodontos, 43,
Carrot, 5
Carthamus tinctorius, 198
Cartonema, 253, 1
Carya alba, 100
Caryocar, 114
Caryophyllecc, 33, 48, 134, 153, 154, 155
156, 157, 162, 163, 164, 166
Caryophyllea?, 153
Caryophyllus aromaticus, 64
Casca d'Anta, 27
de larangeira da terra, 131
Cascarilla ,101
Casearia, 78
Cashew Tribe, 125
Cassava, 101, 230
Cassia, 89, 29
marilandica, 89
acutifolia, 89
Senna, 89
lanceolata, 91
Sabak, 90
auriculata, 90
INDEX.
soy
Cassipourea, 59
Cassuvieae, 125
Cassuvium occidentalc, 127
Cassytha, 29
Castaneaceae, 112
Castor oil plant, 10G
Casuarina, 310
Casuarina, 24, 110, 217, 247, 307
quadrivalvis, 98
Casuarineae, 98
Catasetum, 263
Cataya, 67
Catechu, 90
Cathantes, 88
Cathartine, 89
Cathartocarpus Fistula, 89
Caturus spiciflorus, 101
Caulerpa hypnoides, 305
Caulinia, 287
Ceanothus americanus, 112
Cecropia, 189
peltata, 95
Cedar of Lebanon, 246
Cedreleae, 119
Cedrela Toona, 120
Celastrinece, 107, 109, 110, 112, 126,
176
Celastrineaa, 110
Celery, 5
Cellulares, 304
foliaceae, 317
Celosia, 163
Celsia, 227, 229
Celtideae, 92
Cenchrus, 292
Centaurea calcitrapa, 198
Centrolepideaa, 280
Cephaelideae, 201
Cephaelis Ipecacuanha,203
Cephalanthese, 202
Cephalotus, 79
Cephalotus, 150, 152
Ceramiariae, 334
Ceranthera, 145
Cerasus occidentalis, 83
caroliniana, 83
virginiana, 83
Capollim, 83
capricida, 83
avium, 83
Ceratiola, 108
Ceratonia, 85
Siliqua, 89
Ceratopetalum, 60
Ceratophyllea?, 174
Ceratophyllum, 60, 287
Ceratopteris, 312
Ceibera Manghas, 212
Tanghin, 212
Cercis, 88
Cercodianae 56
Cerdana, 241
Ceroxylon andicola, 278
57
Ceropegia, 210
Cervantesia, 74
Cestrum, 230
Cctniria,329
Cha do pedreste, 237
Chactoplioroidea?, 334
Chaerophyllum, 6
Chestaria, 301
Chagas da Miuda, 138
Chailletia toxicaria, 77
Chailletiaceae, 74, 75, 77
Chailletiaccae, 76
Chamscdorea, 280
Chamaslaucieae, 64
Chamcemeles, 27, 63
Chamaemeles, 83
Chamaerops humilis, 278
palmetto, 278
Champ, 24
Chandelier Tree, 282
Chaodineae, 334, 304
Chara Tribe, 322
Characeae, 322
Chard Beet, 165
Chariantheae, 61
136,Charianthus, 61
Cheiranthus, 17
Cheirostemon, 35, 36
Chelidonium, 10
Chelidonium, 14
Chelone, 228
Che?iopode<e, 96, 154, 160, 163, 167
Chenopodea?, 164
Chenopodium Botrys, 165
vulvaria, 165
ambrosioides, 165
Quinoa, 165, 300,
anthelminticum, 165
Cheremoyer, 22
Cheris, 91
Chestnut, 95
Chica, 234
Chicha, 39
Chick-weed Tribe, 153
Chicot, 39
C luggers, 45
Chimaphila umbellata, 182
maculata, 182
Chimonanthus, 27
Chinese Varnish, 66
Chiococca, 201
Chionanthus, 22
Chinioidia, ~05
Chirita, 234
Chironia, 217
Chives, 271
Chlenaceae, 34
Chlenacece, 33, 121
Chlora perfoliata, 214
ChloranthetB, 171
Chloranthea?, 170, 172
Chloranthus officinalis, 170
Chloroxylon Dupada, 248
370
Choco, 190
Chocolate, 39
Chomelia, 202
Chorisia speciosa, 36
Chorizandra, 303
Christiana, 40
Chrysitricea;, 303
Chrysobalaneae, 84
Chrysobalanece, 80, 83, 86
Chrysobalanus Icaco, 85
lute us, 85
Chrysosplenium, 5
Chrysosplcniuni, 48
Cicca disticha, 101, 104
racemosa, 104
Cichoracece, 186
Cichoraceae, 195
Cinerocephalne, 197
Cinchona, 65
femiginea, 202
Vellozii, 202
Remijiana, 202
Cinchona Tribe, 200
Cinchonacece, 106, 211
Cinchonacere, 200
Cinchonia, 202
Cinchonine, 131
Cinnamon, 29
Cinnamon Tribe, 29
CircEeacese, 55, 56
Circseacese, 56
Cissampelos, 32
ovalifola, 32
ebracteata,32
Pareira, 32
Cissus, 120
Cistinece, 46, 148
Ciistinese, 148
Cistus creticus, 149
Citron, 122
Claytonia perfoliata, 157
Clematidese, 8
Clematis Viticella, 6
recta, 7
Flammula, 7
Cleomeae, 20
Cleome violacea, 20
dodecandra, 20
icosandra, 20
Clerodendron, 237
Clerodendron, 221
Cliffortia, 79
Clintonia, 184
Clistax, 231
Clitoria ternatea, 90
Clivia, 257
Cloves, 65
Clubmoss Tribe, 313
Clusia, 45
Clusia, 47
Cluytia collina, 102
Cobseacese, 217
Cocallera, 102
Coccocypseleae, 201
Coccoloba uvifera, 167
Cocculus Tribe, 31
Coceulus cinerescens, 32
suberosus, 32
indicus, 32
platyphylla, 32
Cochlospcrmum, 42
insigne, 43
Cocoa, 39
Cocoa-Nut, 278
Cocoa-nut oil, 311
Cocoa-plum Tribe, 84
Cocoa-root, 285
Cocos maldivica, 212
butyracea, 278
nucifera, 281
Codiaeum variegatuin, 10Z
Coenosantfaese, 93
Coentrilho, 128
Coffee, 203, 206, 259
Coffea arabica, 203
Coir-rope, 279
Colbertia, 24
Colchicacea?, 269
Colchicum, 259
Colchicum Tribe, 269
Colletia, 111
Colloinia, 110
linearis, 217
Colocynth, 190
Colocynthin, 190
Colombo root, 32, 191
Columelliacea;, 219
Colutea arborescens, 91
Commersonia, 38
Combretaceas, 27, 01, 02, 66, 68, 141,
190
Combretaceae, 65
Comeiperma, 143
Commelinea;, 270, 271
Commclineae, 253
Commia, 101
cocliinchinensis, 102
Comocladia, 127
Compos it te, 106, 183, 184, 199, 201,
238
Composite, 195
Comptonia asplenifolia, 99
Conessi bark, 212
Confervas, 334
Conifera, 98, 17, 4, 243, 307
Coniferse, 245
Cennaracece, 114, 121, 128, 133
Connaraces, 123
Conocarpus racemosa, 66
Conohoria liobolobo, 145
Conospennum, 68, 71
Conostylis, 257
Conroupita guianensis, 45
Contorta;, 211
INDEX.
371
Conulcum, 67
Convallariacece, 275
Convolvulacecs, 217, 218, 229, 341
Conyolvulacete, 216
Convolvulus Jalapa, 217
Scainmonia, 217
Turpetkum, 217
niecboacanus, 217
sepium, 217
arvensis, 217
Soldanella, 217
macrorhizus, 217
maritimus,217
macrccarpus, 217
panduratus, 217
fioridus, 217
scoparius, 217
Batatas. 217
edulus,'217
Conyza, 198
Cookia, 26
Cookia punctata, 122
Copaifera, 85, 90
mnltijaga, 90
Coptis trifolia, 7
Corchorus olitorius, 40
capsularis, 40
Cordia Myxa, 241
Sebestena, 241
Cordiacece, 216
Cordiaceae, 241
Cordiopsis, 241
Corema, 108
Coreopsis Bidcns, 198
Coriander, 5
Coriaria myrtifolia, 138
Coriariea?, 132
Cork, 97
Cornflag Tribe, 258
Comus, 51
Cornus, 205
mascula, 205
florida, 205
serisea, 205
Cornel tree, 205
Coronariae, 276
Coronilla picta, 90
varia, 89
Emerus, 89
Correa, 133
Corrigiola, 162
Corydalis tuberosa, 1!)
Corylaccac, 95
Corylarece, 99, 103
Corymbiferae, 195
Corynephorus, 293
Corynostylis, 144
Coryphina?, 280
Cotoneaster micropliylla, 82
Cotton, 34
Cotton Tree, .35
Cotyledon, 159
Cotyledonese, 1
Coumarouma odorata, 91
Coumarin, !>1
Coumia, 126
Coutarea speciosa, 20.'$
Coutoubea alba, 214
purpurea, 214
Cowkage, 90
Cow-plant of Ceylon, 210
Cowslip, 224
Cow Tree, 94
( •ow Tree, 179, 212
Cranberry, 180
Crankerry, Australian, 181
Crassulacece., 158, 162, 175
Crassalacea>, 159
Cratceva gynandra, 20
Crataegus, 81
Cream fruit, 212
Cress, 17, 138
Creyat, 232
Crinum, 258
Crocus, 238
Croton Cascarilla, 101
Tiglium, 101
Eluteria, 101,102
perdicipes, 101
campestris, 101
tinctoriuin, 10
gratissimum, 101
Crowkerry Tribe, 107
Crozopkora tinctoria, 102
Crucianella, 200
( 'ruciferee, 9, 18, 19
Cruciferas, 14
Cruciferous Tribe, 14
Crypta, 156
Cryptandra, 111
Cryptocotyledonefp, 249
Cryptogamous plants, 304
Cubebs, 172
Cucumber, 190
Cucumber, spirting, 191
Cucumis Colocynthis, 190
Cucurbitacete, 58, 71, 146, 189
Cucurbitacea?, 189
Cudbear, 329
Cunila mariana, 238
Cunninghamia, 248
Cunoniaceae, 49
Cunoniacea, 48, 51, 59
Citfulifcree, 51, 91, 95, 96, 247
Cupulifenr, 95
Curatella CambaVba, 25
Curculigo, 255
Curcuma angustifolia, 265
longa, 265
Zedoaria, 265
Zerumbet, 265
Roscoeana, 264
Currant Tribe, 52
Curvembriae, 89
372
INDEX.
Cuscutinte, 210
Cusparia febrifuga, 131
Cusparieae, 129
Custard Apple Tribe, 21
Cyathea medullaris, 812
Cycadeaj, 243
Cycadem, 278, 304, 307,309
Cycas circinalis, 245
Cyclamen, 224
Cyclantheas, 281
Cycloptera, 69
Cycnia, 84
Cydonia, 84
Cymodocea, 287
Cyminosma, 132
Cynanchum, 210
Argel, 89,211
tomentosum, 210
Cynara Scolymus, 198
Cynarocephalae, 195
Cynomorieae, 286
Cynopia, 6
Cynosurus, 302
Cypripedium, 261
Cyperacefe, 302, 303
Cyperacece, 269, 281, 286, 295
Cyperus longus, 305
rotundus, 305
perennis, 305
odoratus, 305
Hydra, 305
Papyrus, 305
Cypselea, 157
Cyrtandracece, 225
Cyrtandraceae, 233
Cyrtanthus, 258
Cyrtopodium, 262
Cytineae, 72
Cy tinea, 71, 152, 286
Cytisine, 89
Cytisus, 88
Dacha, 91
Dacrydium taxifolium, 247
Dahlia, 197
Dalbergia monetaria, 90
Dalbergieae, 87
Dammar Pine, 247
Dammara australis, 247
Dampiera, 187
Dampiera, 188
Danamceae, 312
Daoun Setan, 92
Daphne Laureola, 74
Gnidium, 74
Bholua, 74
Dasypogon, 269
Date, 278
Datisca, 105
Datiscea;, 107
Datiscea, 215
Datura Stramonium, 230
Davilla rugosa, 25
Davilla elliptica, 25
Dawsonia, 321
Deal, 247
Decadia, 41
Declieuxia, 201
Delimacea:, 26
Delphine, 7
Delphinium, 6
consolida, 7
Staphysagria, 7, 8
Dendrobium, 263
Dentella, 202
Detarium, 85, 87
Deutzia, 51
Devil's leaf, 94
Dhawry, 59
Diamorpha, 159
Dianthus, 154
Diapensiacea?, 218
Diaspasis, 187
Diaspasis, 188
Diclytra, 19
Dicotyledones, 1
Dicranum, 322
Dictamnus, 129, 131
Didymocarpeae, 233
Diervilla, 205
Digitalis, 227
Di'atris, 257
Dill, 5
Dillenia, 25
scabrella, 25
speciosa, 25
Dilleneae, 25
Dilleniaceae, 24
J>illeniacece, 6, 24
Diodia, 201
Diomeamuscipula, 150,151
Dioscoreac, 276
Diosma, 131
Diosmeae, 129
DiosrnecB, 120, 121, 126, 132, 134
Diospyros virginiana, 219
Diphaca, 86
Diphylleia, 31
Diplacrum, 302
Diplazium esculentum, 312
DiplecolobeaB, 18
Diplogenea, 60
Diplolepis vomitoria, 211
Diplophractum, 40
Dipsacea?, 193
Dipsaceee, 188, 193, 194, 195, 196, 199,
236
Dipsacus Fullonum, 194
Dipterocarpese, 41
Disandra, 228
Dischidia, 210
Docks, 167
Dodecatheon, 224
Dodonaca, 114
Dolichos pruricns, 90
INDEX.
373
Dolichos tuberoeus, 89
bulbosus, 89
Dombeya, 38
Dombeyaceas , 37
Doom Palm, 278
Dorstenia, 93
Doryanthes, 257
Douglasia, 224
Doura Corn, 299
Dracama, Draco, 272
terminalis, 272
Dracrenacc;R, 271
Dracontium polyphyllum, 284, 285
fetid urn, 285
pert us um, 285
Dragon's Blood, 90, 280
Drimya, 26
granatensis, 26
Winteri, 26
Drogue am ere, 232
Drosera communis, 151
Droseracese, 151
Droceracece, 143, 147, 145, 151
Drosophyllum lusitanicum, 151
Drummondia, 48
Drupaceae, 82
Dryadeaa, 81
Dryandra, 70, 86
Drymophila, 275
Drymyrhizese, 263
Dryobalanops, Camphora, 41
Dry-rot, 333
Duckweed Tribe 288
Dumb Cane, 285
Durian, 36
Durio, 36
Durreonye Narriol, 212
Duvaua, 126
Ebenacesc, 179, 219
Ebenaceat, 35, 46, 176, 177, 178
Ebony Tribe, 219
Echinops strigosus, 198
Echites antidysenterica, 212
Eccremocarpus, 225
Eccremocarpus, 234
Echium, 240
plantagineum, 239
rubrum, 239
Echinodorus, 250
Eddoes, 285
Egg plant, 230
Ehrharta, 291
Ehretia buxifolia, 241
Ehretiacea?, 240
Ekebergia, 119
Ekeagnea3, 67
Elceagnece , 65, 67,71,73,74
Elseagnus orientalis, 67
arborea, 67
conferta, 67
Elaeococca, 102
Elajocarpea?, 40
Elaocarpcfr, 33, 36, 42
Blaine, 311
Elais gumeensis, 280
Elate, 280
Elatine, 191
Elatineai, 154
Elatinese, 156
Elder Tribe, 205
Elecampane, 196
Eligiese, 280,
Elephantopus scabra, 198
Elettaria Cardamomum, 265
Eleusine coracana, 300
Ellisia, 242
Elm Tribe, 94
Elodea, 47
Elyna, 303
Embelia, 223
Embothrium ferrugincum, 68
emarginatum, 7
EmbryonatEB, 1
Emetin, 203
Empetrea;, 107
Empleurum, 129
Enchanter's Night-shade Tribe, 50
Endive, 198
Endocarpus, 322
Endogense, 249
cryptogams, 307
Endorhizea;, 249
Enhalus, 253
Ensatse, 258
Entada, 87
Epacrideae, 180
Epacridecc, 70, 179
Ephedra altissima, 247
Ephemerese, 253
Epidendrea?, 263
Epilobiaceos, 55
Epipactis, 263
Epiphyta?, 329
Equisetacece, 1, 304
Equisetacese, 307
Equisetum, 57, 98, 247
hyemale, 308
palustre, 308
pratense, 308
Eranthemum, 236
Eranthis, 8
Eremophila, 235
Ergot of rye, 301
maize, 301
Ericea?, 179
Ericea, 47, 180, 181,182
Erigeron philadelphicum,197
heterophyllum, 197
Erinea?, 220
Erinacea?, 28
Erinus, 236
Eriocauloneac, 280
D'riodendron, 36
Eriogonurn, 167
374
INDEX.
Eriotena, 38
Eriophorum, 283
Eriophorum, 303
Eriostemon, 131
Erisma, 141
Erodium, 137
Erucaria, 18
Erva de Rata, 203
Eryngium, 6
Erysimum, 18
Erythrina, 143
monosperma, 90
Erythronium, 277
indicum, 277
Erythropsis, 36
Erythroxylece, 109, 117
Erythroxylece, 118
Erythroxylon hypericifolium, 116
suberosum, 118
Escalloniece, 184
Escallonieae, 52
Erythrospermeas, 21
Eschscholtzia, 15, 59
Eschscholtzia, 8
Eucalyptus, 64
resinifera, 64
Eudesmia, 62
Eugenia racemosa, 64
Eupatorium Ayapana, 197
Eupatorium perforatum, 197
Euphorbia antiquorum, 102
canariensis, 102
papillosa, 102
neriifolia, 102
thymifolia, 103
pilulifera, 103
heptagona, 103
Euphorbiacese, 100
EuphorbiacecB, 31, 55, 71, 91, 106, 107,
108, K)9, 111, 130, 159, 174, 230
Enphorbium Tribe, 100
Euphoria, 115
Euphrasia officinalis, 228
Eupomatia laurina, 22
Eutoca, 242
Evening PrimroseTribe,54
Evodia febrifuga, 131
Evolvulus, 217
Exacum, 208, 215
Exembryonata?, 304
Exocarpus, 74
Exogenre, 1
Exorhizes, 1
Excsecaria Agallocha, 103
Exostemma, 203
Fagus, 98, 106
Fagara, 128
Fagonia, 135
Fagrcea, 208
obovat, 207
Falkia, 216
Fern Tribe, 309
Ferns, 241
Feronia elephantum, 122
Ferreola, 222
Furula Assafoetida, 5
Festuca, 295
Feuillea cordifolia, 190
Ficoidece, 160
Ficoidea, 47,54, 81, 157, 161
Ficus, 191
Carica, 93
toxicaria, 94
septica, 95
racemosa, 95
indica, 95
rcligiosa, 54, 94
australis, 95
Figvvort Tribe, 226
Fig, 94
Filices, 309
Filices, 1
gyratce, 312
agyrate, 312
Filicoidcfe, 307
Fir, 245, 247
Fir, Balm of Gilead, 248
Fissilia, 78
Flacourtia, 21
Flacourtiacea?, 20
Flncourtiacecc, 19, 77
FJagellavia, 269
Flax-tribe, 153
Flindersia, 120
Flindersia, 120
Flowering plants, 1
Flowering Rush Tribe, 251
Flowerless plants, 304
Fluviales, 170, 173, 174, 251
Fluviales, 287
Foliacece, 305
Fontahesia, 222
Fontinalis, 321
Fool's Parsley, 5
Forstera, 186
Fothergilla, 51
Fouquieracesc, 158
Fouquieracea, 148
Fox-grapes, 118
Fragaria, 81
Fragariacca;, 81
Frambiesia, 131
Francoa, 158
Frankeniacean, 154
Frankeniacecp, 136, 153, 154
Franklandia, 63
Fraxinellc;e, 129
Fraxinus, 128
rotund ifoli a, 222
Frazera Walter i, 214
Freycinctia, 283
Fritilloria, 277
Frogbit Tribe, 252
Fruta de Burro, 20, 22
INDEX.
375
Fruta do Parao, 115
Fuchsiese, 55
Fuirena umbellata, 303
Fumaria cava, 10
Fumariacere, 18
Fumariacecc, 0, 14, 143
Fungi, 320
Funkia, 277
Furze, 88
Fustic k, 04
Gaertneria, 203
Galacinca;, 158
Galangale, 2G5
Galantluts, 258
Galbamun, 5
Gale Tribe, 08
Galega purpurea, 01
Gal i etc, 200
Galium vcrum, 200
Gallinha Choca, 115
Galopina, 201
Gambeer, 203
Gamboge, 45, 47
Gambogia Gutta, 45
Garcinia celebica, 45
Cambogia, 45
Mangostana, 45
Garden Oracb, 165
Garde niaceae, 202
Gardenia, 203
Gardenia dumctorum,203
Gardneria,201, 213
Garidella, 6
Garlic, 271
Gasteromyei, 320
Gastonia, 4
Gastrodiese, 2G3
Gaulthcriaprocuinbens 180
ShaUon. 180
Geissoloma, 70
Genipa, 203
Genista, 80
Gentian Tribe, 213
Gentian, 207
Gentiana lutca, 214
rubra, 214
purpurea, 214
Amarclla, 214
campcstris, 214
cruciata, 214
peruviana, 214
Chirita, 214
Gentianerc, 213
Gentianeas, 170, 208, 211, 215, 217, 223
G eoffraa, 80
Geophila, 201
Geraniaceaj, 136
Geraniacete, 5, 137, 130, 153, 154, 160
Geranium spinosum, 137
maculatum, 147
Robcrtianum, 147
Geranium Tribe, 136
Geraschanthus, 241
Gerontogea, 202
Gesnereai, 233
Gesnerese, 224
Gethyllis, 257
Geum urbanum, SO
rivale, 80
Cilia, 218
Gillenia trifoliata, 80
stipulacea, 80
Gilliesia, 106
Gilliesieaj, 272
Gin, 248
Ginger Tribe, 263
Ginginsia brevieaulis, 157
Ginko, 246
Ginseng, 4
Gisekia, 186
Gladiolus, 250
Glapbyria nitida, 64
Glaucium, 0
Glaucium, 14
Glaux, 223
Glaux, 175, 102
Glechoma hederacea, 238
Gleditschia, 86
Gleiclienieie, 312
Gleichenia dichotoma, 312
Globba uviformis, 265
G lobular inece, 188
Globularinea?, 100
Gloriosa superba, 270
Glossarrhen, 145
Glossostema Bruguieri, 30
Gloxinia, 225
Glumacca-, 290
Glyceria, 201
Glycine, 88
Glycosmis citrifolia, 122
Glyptospcrmaj, 21
Gnetum, 247
Golden Rod, 100
Gold-tbread, 7
Gomphia, 133
Gomphocarpus, 211
Gomphrena, 163
officinalis, 163
macroccpbala,
Gongora, 261 163
Gonzalagunia, 202
Goodenoviaz, 183, 187
Goodenoviffi, 185
Goodyera, 263
Gooseberry, 53
Goosefoot Tribe, 164
Gordonia, 43
Gossypium, 34
Gourd Tribe, 180
Graincs d' Avignon, 111
Grammes, 200
Grana molucca, 102
Granatea:, 62, 65
376
Granifera?, 249
Graphidese, 327
Grass oil of Namaur, 301
Grass Tribe, 290
Grasses, 2, 106
Gratiola officinalis, 227
peruviana, 227
Grawatha, 225
Greek Valerian Tribe, 217
Grevillea, 71,09
Grenovia, 190
GrossulacecB, 48, 52, 53
Grossulaceec, 52
Guaca, 197
Guaiacum sanetum, 135
officinale, 135
Guaiacine, 135
Guaiacum, 166
Guatteria, 22
Guarea trichilioides, 119
Guava, 65
Guazuma, 38
ulmifolia, 39
Guettarda coccinea, 203
Guettardese, 204
GuilandinaBonduccella, 89
Nuga, 89
Moringa, 89
Guinea corn, 300
Gulancha, 32
Guttiferse, 44
Guttiferce, 42, 46, 141
Gum Ammoniac, 5
Anime, 90
Arabic, 89, 92
Elemi, 124, 125
Kino, 65, 89, 91, 170, 205
Dragon, 91, 274
Lac, 90, 96
Senegal, 35
Tragacanth, 90
Tragacanth of S. Leone, 38
Tragacanth, 83
Gundelia, 193
Gustavia augusta, 44
Gymnema lactiferum, 210
Gymnocarpum, 162
Gymnospermce, 2
Gymnospermce, 343
Gymnostomum, 321
Gymnostachys, 285
Gynerium, 302
GypsophilaOstruthiunijlM
Haemodoraceae, 250
Hffimatoxylon campeachianum, 90
Hsematoxylon, 87
Hffimatin, 90
Hsemanthus toxicarius,258
Hakea, 69
HalesiacejK, 176
Halleriacese, 226
Haloragesc, 56
HaloragecB, 55, 57, 06, 173. 174
Hameliacea;, 202
Hamamelideae, 50
Hamamelideai, 30, 50, 215
Hanchinol, 59
Hand-plant, 35
Hashish, 91
Havetia, 45
Hazel-nuts, 94
Hazel-nut, 95
Heath Tribe, 179
Hebenstreitia, 136
Hedeoma pulegioides, 238
Hedera,2()4
Iledera, 2, 4, 118
Hederaces, 204
Hedychium coronarium, 264
Hedyosmum, 171
Hedyotidese, 202
Hedysarese, 87
Hedysarum Alhagi, 90
sennoides, 89
Heimia salicifolia, 59
Heisteria coccinea, 76
Helianthemum, 149
Helianthus tubcrosus, 197
Heliconia, 267
Heliconia Psittacorum, 268
Helicteres Sacarolha, 36
Heliophila, 18
Heliotrope Tribe, 240
Heliotropicea?, 240
Hellebores, 8
Helleborus, 7
Hellenia abnormis, 263
Helonias dioica, 270
Helosis, 286
Hemerocallidese, 276
Hemerocallidece, 271
Hemlock, 5
Hemlock Spruce, 248
Hemp, 91
Henbane, 229
Henne, 60
Hepatica, 7
HepaticiL',321
Hepatica, 173
Heracleum gummiferum, 5
Herbe du Diablo, 193
Heritiera, 37
Hernianniace;p, 36, 37
Heniaiulieic, 74
Hernandia sonora, 75
guianensis, 75
Herniaria,', 161
Herniaria, 165
Herpiridcce, 120
Heteranthera, 277
] leteronemea, 305, 308,318
Heuchera, 48
americana, 49
Hexapetaloideiu, 250
INDEX.
377
Hibbertia, 25
Hibiscus arboreus, 33
Rosa sinensis, 34
Sabdariffa, 34
surattensis, 34
esculentus, 34
Abelmoschus, 34
Hickory, 100
Hillia, 202
Hippocastanerc, 112
Hirpocrateacetc, 109
Hippocratea ovata, 109
comosa, 110
HippomaneMancinella,103
Hippophae rhamnoides, 67
Hippuridese, 56
Hippuris, 57
Hippuris, 10, 174
Hiptagea:, 117
Hirsea, 117
Hirtella, 85
Hogplum Tribe, 122
Holcus, 292, 300
Holigarna longifolia, 126
Holly Tribe, 175
Hololachna, 47, 161
Homalinea?, 77
Homalinece, 53, 77, 149
Homalium, 79
Homonemea, 305, 326
Honeysuckle Tribe, 204
Hop, 92
Hordeum, 301
Horse-chestnut Tribe, 112
Horse-radish, 17
Horse-tail Tribe, 307
Hortia braziliana, 131
Hovenia dulcis, 112
Houseleek Tribe, 159
Hoya, 210
Huile des Marmottes, 85
Humiriaceas, 120
Humiriacece, 119, 131
Humirium floribundum, 121
Humulus Lupulus, 92
Hungary water, 238
Hura, 101
crepitans, 103
Hya-hya, 212
Hyacinthinae, 271
Hyaenancheglobosa, 103
Hydnocarpus venenata, 21
Hydrangea, 51
Hydrangea, 205
Hydrangeacese, 205
Hydrangeacece, 106, 168, 204
Hydrastis canadensis, 7
Hydrilla, 253
Hydrocaryes, 57
Hydrocaryes, 55, 56
Hydroceres, 139
Hydrocleys, 252
Hydrocotyle, 5
Hydrocharidea^, 'S>~
Hydrocharidea, 10, 11, 12, 251, 254, 250,
286
Hydrogetones, 287
Hydroleee, 216
Hydroleaceoi, 218
Hydronemata:, 334
Hydropeltideae, 13
Hydropeltis, 13
Hydrophycese, 334
Hydrophyllece, 241
Hydrophyllem, 218
Hydrophyta, 334
Hydropityon, 154
Hydropterides, 314
Hydrostachys, 173
Hygrobiere, 56
Hymeniea Courbaril, 90
Hymenanthera, 144
Hypecoum, 8
Hyperanthera Moringa, 39
Hypericineae, 46
Hyper icinem, 43, 45, 46, 47, 48, 149, 156
Hypericum hircinum, 47
connatum, 47
laxiusculum,47
Hyphsene coriacea, 278
Hypnum, 318
Hypocirta, 225
Hypoxyla, 326, 328
Hypoxideas. 255
Iberis umbellata, 16
Iceland Moss, 329
Ichiree, 215
Ichthyosma, 286
Icica Acuchini, 155
heptaphylla, 125
Icicariba, 125
Igasuric acid, 213
Ilex paraguensis, 176
Ilicinese, 177
Ilicineee, 111,219
Illecebrese, 161
Illecebrece, 155, 157, 162, 163, 164
Uliciese, 205
Illicium anisatum, 26
Imbricaria, 50, 61
Impatiens Balsamina, 139
Imperata arundinacea, 297
Incarvillea, 234
Indigo, 89, 90, 212
Indigofera Anil, 91
Inga, 87
faeculifera, 89
Inocarpus, 76
Inula Helenium, 197
Inulin, 197
Ionidium parviflorum, 144
Poaya, 144
ltubu, 145
58
378
INDEX.
Ipecacuanha, 144, 205
Ipecacuanha, 9, 1G2, 105, 211
Ipe-tabacco, 235
Ipeuna, 235
Ipomoea Quamoclit, 217
Ipomopsis, 218
Iridese, 258
Iris florentina, 259
tuberosa, 259
versicolor, 259
verna, 259
Pseudacorus, 259
Ironwood, 219
Isachne,292
Ischsemum, 292
Isoetes setacea, 313
Isopogon, 69
Isotoma, 185
Ivarancusa, 301
Ivy Tribe, 205
Ixia, 259
Ixora, 201
Jaboticabeiras, 64
Jacaranda wood, 90, 235
Jack, 93
Jacquinia, 223
obovata, 179
Jagery, 279
Jalap, 169, 216
Jamrosade, 64
Janji, 253
Jasione, 184
Jasmineae, 220
Jasmine Tribe, 220
Jasmineee, 220
Jasminum officinale, 221
grandiflorum, 221
Sambac, 221
undulatum, 221
angustifolium,221
Jatropha Manihot, 101, 103
glauca, 103
Curcas, 103
JefFersonia, 13
Jeffersonia, 30
Jew Bush, 103
Joliffia africana,191
Jonesia, 84
Josephia, 69
Josephinia, 233
Jubffia spectabilis, 278
Juglandere, 99
Juglans cathartica, 99
cinerea, 99
regia, 100
Jujube, 112
Juncaginese, 287
Juncaginece, 174, 251 284, 287
Juncese, 268
Junceee, 253, 256, 270, 271
Juncus effusus, 269
Jungermannia, 173
Jungermannia, 321
Juniperus, 247
communis, 248
Sabina, 248
Jussisere, 55
Jussisea peruviana, 55
Justicia biflora, 231
Ecbolium, 231
Adhatoda, 231
pectoralis, 231
Gendarussa, 231
paniculata, 281
Kadua, 202
Kakaterro, 247
Kalmia latifolia, 180
Kawrie Tree, 247
Khair Tree, 96
Kielmeyera speciosa, 43
Kiggelarieae, 21
Kino, 64, 167
Kiriaghuna Plant, 210
Kirschenwasser, 84
Klaprothia, 57
Knautia, 194
Knema, 23
Knowltonia vesicatoria, 7
Kobresia, 303
Kobresiese, 303
Kodoya Bikh, 7
Kohautia, 202
Kola, 39
Krameria, 142
Kunkirzeed, 198
Kunthia montana, 278
Kyllinga, 303
Labaria Plant, 285
Labdanum, 149
Labiatae, 237
Labiate, 2, 7, 58, 133, 221, 230, 236, 239
Laburnum, 88
Lace Bark, 74
Lacis, 173
Lacistemese, 171
Lactuca virosa, 198
sylvestris, 198
Lagerstroniiese, 59
Lagurus, 297
Lalo, 35
Lambertia, 69
Lamb's Lettuce, 195
Lamium, 239
Lanaria, 257
Lancritia, 46
Langsat, 119
Langsdorffia, 286
Lanseli, 119
Lansiuin, 119
Lantana Pseudo Thea, 237
Laplacea, 43
Lappago, 292
Larbrea, 162
Larch, 246
Larrea, 134
Lasianthera, 117
INJ)EX.
379
LaBiopetaleee, 38
Lathraea, 226
Lathyrus Aphaca, 89
tuberosus, 89
Lavradia, 145
Laurel oil, 30
Laurineae, 29
LaurinecB, 23, 28, 31, 55, 75
Laurus Cinnamomum, 29
Cassia, 29
Culilaban, 29
Malabathrum, 29
cupularis, 29
Quixos, 29
Cinnamomoides, 29
Pucheri, 29
Camphora, 29
Parthenoxylon, 29
Benzoin, 29
panrifolia, 30
globosa, 30
fastens, 30,
caustica, 30
Lavandula carnosa, 238
Lavatera, 34
Lavender, 238
Lawsonia inermis, 59
Leadworth Tribe, 192
Leafless Flowerless Plants» 326
Lecythideae, 43
LecythidecB, 190
Lecythis, 44
ollaria, 44
Ledum palustre, 180
Leea, 117
Leeacese, 118
Leersia, 302
Legnotis, 59
Leguminosae, 85
Leguminoses, 39, 80, 84, 126, 143
Lemna, 173, 174
Lemnaceae, 288
Lemon, 122
Leontice thalictroides, 30
Leontodon, 198
Leopoldinia, 280
Lentibularise, 224
Lepanthes, 261
Lepidagathis, 232
Lepidium, 18
Lepidocarya, 280
Leptadenia, 208
Leptolaena, 34
Leptospernieae, 64
Leptospermum, 51
Lepturus, 291
Leschenaultia, 186
Lettuce, 198
Leucocoryne, 106
Leucopogon, 180
Leucosia, 77
Liane am ere, 32
Liatris, 197
Libanus thurifera, 125
Lichens, 327
Lignum Vita?, 135
Ligusticum Ajawain, 6
Ligustrum, 222
LilaceaG, 221
Liltea, 288
Liliaceae, 276
LUiacecB, 257, 270, 271
Lilium pomponium, 276
Lime, 122
Limnobium, 253
Limnocharis, 252
Limnocharis, 11
Limnophila, 215
Linconia, 50
Linconia, 70
Linden Tribe, 40
Lineae, 152
Linece, 33, 155
Linnaea, 205
Linum catharticum, 153
selaginoides, 153
Littorella, 192
Liquorice, 89
Liriodendron tulipifera, 24
Lisianthus pendulus, 215
Lissanthe sapida, 181
Lithi, 109
Litchi, 115
Littorella, 192
Lithospermum tinctorium, 239
Liverwort Tribe, 321
Loaseae, 57
Loaseee, 53, 148, 158, 190
Lobelia cardinalis, 183
Tupa, 184
inflata, 185
syphilitica, 185
longiflora, 185
cardinalis, 185
Lobeliaceae, 184
LobeliacetB, 183, 185
Locust Tree, 92
Loganiaceae, 207
Loganieae, 210
LoganiecB, 207, 211, 214
Logwood, 88, 90
Lolium,291
temulentum, 300
Lomentaceous, 87
Longan, 115
Lonicera corymbosa, 206
Lonicereae, 204
Lopezia, 56
Loranthece, 61, 204
Lorantheae, 206
Lote 112
Loteae, 87
Lowea, 79
Luhea paniculata, 40
380
INDEX.
Luhea divaricata, 40
Luhea, 43
Luffa, 191
Ludia, 150
Lucerne, 88
Lycium, 231
Lychnis dioica, 154
chalcedonica, 154
Lychnys, 106
Luzula, 269
Luxemburgia, 154
Lupulin, 92
Luziola, 301
Lycopodiaces, 313
LycopodiacecB, 243, 247, 309
Lycopodium Selago, 314
clavatum, 314
Phlegmaria, 314
denticulatum,313
Lysimachise, 223
Lycoperdacea?, 329
Lycopsis, 239
Lygeum Spartum,297
Lygodium, 312
Lythrarise, 58
Lythrarice, 155
Lythrum Salicaria, 59
Lythrum'? Hunteri, 59
Maba, 219
Maburnia, 256
Mace, 23
Machaonia, 201
Mache, 195
Madura aurantiaca, 93,94
Macraea, 154
Macrocnemum corymbosum, 203
Macropodal embryo, 251
Madder Tribe, 200
Madia sativa, 197
Madhuca Tree 179
Maerua, 19
Magallana, 138
Magnolia Tribe, 24
Magnolia tripetala, 24
excelsa, 24
glauca, 24
acuminata, 24
Yulan, 24
Magnoliacete, 6, 11, 22, 25, 26
Magnoliaceffi, 23
Magonia pubescens, 115
glabrata, 115
Mahogany, 120
Mahonia, 30
Mahva Tree, 179
Mais Peladero, 301
Maize, 300
Malach, 91
MalaxideEe, 263
MalesherbiacetE, 78
Malesherbiacea\ 17
Mallow Tribe, 32
Malope, 33
Malope, 63
Malpighia Moureila, 117
Malpighiacecc, 109, 116, 133
Malpighiaceae, 116
Malva crispa, 33
Alcea, 34
MalvacecB, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41, 42, 63,
100, 137, 148, 153
Malvaceae, 32
Mammea, 45
Mammillaria, 54
Manchineel, 101, 103
Mandiocca, 103
Manettieas, 202
Mangel Wurzel, 165
Mangifera, 113
Mangifera, 127
Mangosteen Tribe, 44
Mango, 126
Mangrove Tribe, 59
Mangrove, white, 235
Mangroves, 66
Manna, 90, 156, 222
Manettieae, 202
Mannite, 156, 222
Manulea, 228
Manulea, 236
Maple Tribe, 224
Maprounea brasiliensis, 103
Maranta arundinacea, 267
Al'ouya, 267
nobilis, 267
ramosissima, 267
Marantaceae, 265
Marantacece, 259, 262, 264, 266
Marathrum, 173
Marattiaceas, 312
Marchantia, 322
Marcgraaviaceae, 45
Marcgraaviaceae, 43, 45, 109, 141
Margosa oil, 103
Margosa Tree, 119
Margyricarpus, 79
Margyricarpus, 9
Marica, 259
Marjoram, 238
Mariscus, 303
Marking-nut, 126
Marloea, 51
Marmeleiro do Campo, 103
Maroquin leather, 160
Marsh Mallows, 33
Marsilea, 314
Marsileacere, 314
Marsileacece, 309, 313
Martinezia caryotaefolia, 278
Martin's Cancer Powder, 228
Martynia, 232
Martyniaceac, 232
Marvel of Peru Tribe, 168
Mastich, 127
INDEX.
381
Mate, 17G
Matisia, 36
Matricaria Parthenium 196
MaurandiaBarclaiana, 234
Mauria, 127
Mauritia flexuosa, 278
Maximiliania regia, 43
May Apple, 14
Majtenus, 108, 109
Mayna, 24
Meconic acid, 10
Meconopsis napalensis, 9
Medlar, 82
Medlar of Surinam, 178
Medeola virginica, 275
Medullin, 197
Melaleuca leucadendron,64
Melambo Bark, 27
Melampyraceae, 228
Melampyracea, 227
Melampyrum pratense,228
Melanorhsea, 125
Melanthaceas, 269
Melanthacece, 259, 269, 277
Melastomacese, 61
Melastomacea, 58, 62, 65, 68
Melia Azedarach, 119
Azedarachta, 119
Meliacese, 118
Meliacea:, 2, 114, 118, 120, 122, 277
Melianthus, 135
Melica, 291
Melicytus, 21
Melilotus officinalis, 91
Melochia, 37
Melon, 190
Memecylese, 61
Memecylea, 61, 65
Menais, 241
Mendozia, 231
Menispermeae, 31
Meiiispermece, 22, 100
Menispermic acid, 32
Menispermum palmatum, 32
cordifolium, 32
Cocculus,32
edule, 32
Menodora, 220
Metzelia, 57
MenyanthecB, 11
Menyantbes, 213
trifoliata, 214
Mercurialis annua, 101
perennis, 101, 103
Mercurio do Campo, 116
Merenderae, 269
Merimea, 156
Mertensia dichotoma, 311
Mesembryanthemum edule, 60
nodiflorum, 160
Metabolos, 202
Mezereum Tribe, 74
Michelia Doltsopa, 24
Micranthea, 108
Miersia, 274
Mignonette Tribe, 104
Mikania Guaco, 198
Milwort Tribe, 142
Milk Plant, 103
Millet, 301
Milnea edulis, 119
Miltus, 160
Mimosa fagifolia, 89
saponaria, 89
Spongia, 89
Mimulus guttatus, 227
Mimusops Elengi, 178
Mint, 238
Mint Tribe, 237
Minuartieac, 164
Minuartiea:, 162
Mirabilis, 169
Mistletoe, 208
Mitracarpurn, 201
Mitrasacme, 208
Mniarum, 164
Mniopsis, 173
Modecca, 147
Mohoe, or Mohaut, 34
Mollugo, 154
Momordica Elaterium, 191
Momordicas, 189
Monachne, 291
Monimiecp, 24, 27
Monimieac, 28
Monniera, 131
Monnina, 142
polystachya, 143
Monocotyledons, 249
Monodora, 21
Monopetalous plants, 175
Monotoca, 180
Monotropa, 182
MonolropeEe, 182
Monsonia, 137
Montezuma, 36
Montia, 157
Montinete, 55
Mootha, 303
Moraea, 259
Morel, 332
Movinda, 59
Morinda, 202
Royoc, 203
Moringeae, 39
Moroquin leather, 160
Moroxylic acid, 94
Morphia, 9
Morus, 94
alba, 94
tinctoria, 94
Moss Tribe, 317
Moss-like plants, 317
Mountain Ash, 82
382
INDEX,
Mourera, 173
Moxa, 197
Mucedinese, 329
Mudar, 211
Mulberry, 93
Mullein Tribe, 231
Mundia, 142
Muraltia, 143
Murucuja, 147
Musa textilis, 268
Musacece, 264
Musacete, 267
Musanga, 94
Mushroom Tribe, 329
Musci 317
Muscoideae, 317
Mustard, 17
Mycetes, 329
Myoporinese, 235
Myosurus, 8
Myrica cerifera, 99
sapida, 99
Myricaria, 156
Myriceae, 98
Myricea, 97, 247
Myriophillum, 10, 57, 174
Myriophyllum, 56
Myristica moschata, 23
Otoba, 23
Myristicese, 23
Myristicece, 29, 75, 100
Myrobalan Tribe, 65
Myrobalanea?, 65
Myroxylon peruiferum, 90
toluiferum, 90
Myrospermum, 86
Myrsinese, 222
Myrsinece, 110
Myrtaceae, 62
MyrtacecB, 27, 44, 50, 51, 55, 56,60,
65, 66, 68, 181, 190
Myrtle Tribe, 62
Myrtus communis, 64
Myginda Gongonha, 176
Nageia, 99
Nagur-mootha, 303
Naiades, 173
Naiades, 287
Naias, 177, 325
Nama, 218
Nandhirobeae, 189
Napimoga, 77
Naravelia, 8
Narcissi, 257, 279
Narcissus Tribe, 257
Narcissus poeticus, 258
Tazetta, 258
odorus, 258
Pseudo-Narcissus, 258
Narcotine, 10
Nasturtium Tribe, 138
Natchenny, 300
Nauclea Gambeor, 203
Nectarine, 83
Neem Tree, 119
Negundium, 115
Nehai, 312
Neillia, 79
Nelumbium speciosum, 12
Nelumbium, 10
Nelumbonese, 12
Nelumboneee, 11, 121
Nemea, 306
Nemopanthes, 176
Nemophila, 242
Neottieaa, 263
Nepentheaa, 151
Nepenthece, 150
Nepenthes, 79, 289
Nephrodium esculentum, 312
Nephroma, 329
Nerine, 258
Nerium Oleander, 212
odorum, 212
Neuradese, 81
Nicotiana multivalvis, 229
Nicotiana multivalvis, 63
Niebuhria, 19
Nigella, 6
Nigella, 11, 63
Nigella sativa, 87
Nightshade Tribe, 229
Nightshade, 230
Niouttout, 124
Nirbishi, or Nir bikhi, 7
Nitella, 324
Nitrariaceae, 161
Nitrariacece, 48, 111, 160
Nitre, 239
Noggerathia foliosa, 279
Nolana, 216
61, Nolana paradoxa, 229
Nolana paradoxa, 63
Nopaleae, 53
Norantea, 43
Norantese, 46
Notorhizese, 18
Noyau, 84
Nuphar luteum, 10
Nut-grass, 303
Nutmeg Tribe, 23
Nutmeg of Santa Fa, 23
Nyctaginesc, 168
Nyctaginece, 169, 192
Nyctanthes Arbor Tristis, 221
NymphoaaceoB, 10
Nymphceaceai, 6, 9, 12, 13, 250
Nyssacece, 73
Oak, 93
Oak Tribe, 95
Oats, 300
Ochnacea, 133, 135
Ochnacea?, 133
Ochna hexasperma, 133
INDEX
383
Ochradenus, 106
Ochro,34
Ocymum album, 238
febrifugum, 238
(Enanthe pimpinelllodcs, 5
(Enothera biennis, 55
Oil of Almonds, 85
Margosa, 103
Olive, 222
Palm, 280
Olacinese, 76
Olax, 76
Oldenlandia umbellata,203
Olea fragrans, 222
Oleacese, 221
Oleacea, 219, 220, 221
Oleander, 212
Oleaster Tribe, 67
Olibanum, 125
Olisbea, 60
Olive Tribe, 221
Olivile, 222
Olyra, 301
Omphalea, 103
Omphalobium, 123
Ononis, 89
Onagraria?, 56
Onagrariee, 53. 55, 56, 58, 65, 66, 68,
141, 155, 190
Oncidium, 263
Oncus, 276
Onion, 271
Onosma echioides, 239
Opercularineae, 200
Opercularinece, 171
Ophelus, 36
Ophioglossese, 309, 310, 315
Ophiosperma, 222
Ophrydese, 263
Opium, 9
Opium, 198
Opobalsamum, 125
Opoponax, 5
Opuntia, 54
Opuntiaceae, 53
Orange, 238
Orange Tribe, 121
Orchall, 329
OrchidecB, 108, 253, 254, 158, 359, 264,
266
Orchidea, 260
Orchis Tribe, 260
Orchis latifolia, 261
Orelha de Onqa, 32
Orelha de Gato, 47
Oreodoxa frigida, 278
regia, 278
Origanum Dictamnns, 238
Ormosia, 85
Ornithogalum, 271
Ornithopus, 87
scorpioides, 89
Orobanche ramosa, 226
virginiana, 226
major, 226
Orobancheae, 225
OrobanchecB, 182, 225
Orontium aquaticum, 285
Orris root, 259
Orseille de Terre, 329
des Canaries, 329
Ortegia, 162
Orthoploceae, 18
Osage Apple, 94
Osmunda regalis, 313
Osmundaceae, 312
Osyrideae, 73
Ottelia indica, 252
Ourisia, 215
Ouvirandra, 284
Oxalideac, 137
Oxalideee, 134, 137, 139, 154
Oxalis acetosella, 138
Oxleya xanthoxyla, 120
Oxybaphus, 169
Oxycoccus, 180
Oxyria, 167
Pachana, 32
Paeonia, 6
Moutan, 11
papaveracea, 11
Pagamea, 208
Palapetta, 212
Paletuviers, 59
Palicourea, 201
Marcgraavii, 203
Palm oil, 280
Palma Christi, 102
PalmoB, 277
Palm Tribe, 277
Palms, 244, 253, 269
Palm wine, 280
Palo, 32
Palo de Vacca, 94
Panax, 4
Coloni, 238
quinquefolium, 4
Pancratium maritimum, 258
Pandaneaj, 281
Pandanus odoratissimus, 282
Paniceae, 292
Panicum, 291
spectabile, 301
Pao d'Arco, 235
Papaver somniferum, 9
Papaveraceae, 8
PapaveracecB, 6, 11, 13, 14, 18, 58, 150
Papayaceac, 188
Papaw Tribe, 188
Papilionaceae, 87
Papilionaceous, 85
Pappophorum, 291
Papceta, 212
Para todo, 163
384
INDEX.
Paraiba, 135
Pareira brava, 32
Parietaria, 92
Parideag, 275
Parinarium excelsum, 85
campestre, 85
montanum, 85
Paris, 276
Parkeriaceae, 312
Parkia africana, 920
Parmelia, 329
Parnassia, 48
Parnassia, 46, 151
Paronychia, 154
Paronychiese, 161
Parsley, 5
Parsnep, 5
Partridge wood, 75
Paspalum, 291
Passerina tinctoria, 74
Passiflora capsularis, 146
PassifloreeBz 20, 21, 58, 71, 77,
189, 190
Passiflorese, 145
Passion-flower Tribe, 145
Pastinaca, Opoponax, 5
Patrinia, 195
Patrisia, 20
Patrisiese, 21
Paullinia, 179
australis, 115
subrotunda, 115
Paulinieae, 114
Pavia, 113
Pavonia, 28
diuretica, 34
Pe de Perdis, 102
Pea, 88
Pea Tribe, 85
Peach, 83
Pear, 82
Pedalinese, 232
Pedalinete, 221, 225, 234
Pedalium murex, 233
Pediculares, 226, 228
Pedilanthus tithymaloides, 103
padifolius, 103
Peganum, 132
Pelargonium, 137
Pena fruticulosa, 70
margin ata, 70
mucronata, 71
Pen<Bace<B, 50
Peneeaceas, 70
Pennyroyal, 241
Pentadesma butyracea, 45
Pentaloba, 144
Pentapetes ovata, 38
Penthorum, 159
Peperomia, 172
Pepper Tribe, 171
Pepper, black, 172
Peppers, 128
Pepper-wort Tribe 314
Perelle d'Auvergne, 329
Pergularia edulis, 210
Periploca, 28
emetica, 210
esculenta, 210
indica, 212
Perpetua, 163
Persea gratissima, 30
Persicaria, 167
Personatse, 224
Persoonia, 68, 70
Peruvian bark, 203
Peruvian bark, 49, 205
Petaloideae, 250
Petit Coco, 223
Petiveria alliacea, 166
Petiveriacese, 166
Petrea, 233
Petrophila, 69
143, 148, Phacelia, 241
Phanerocotyledonese, 1
Phanerogamous, or Phaenogamous
Plants, 1
Pharnaceum, 157
Pharus, 301
Phascum, 321
Phaseolus trilobus, 91
Phaseoleae, 87
Phebalium, 131
Phelipaea, 226
Philadelpheae, 51
Philadelphia:, 52, 158
Philydrum, 254
Phleum, 293
Phlomis esculenta, 238
Phoenix farinifera, 280
Pholeosantheae, 93
Pholidia, 235
Photinia dubia, 82
Phrynium dichotomum, 267
Phycella, 258
Phycei, 334
Phylica, 112
Phyllanthus, 31, 108
Phyllanthus Niruri, 104
urinaria, 104
Emblica, 104
Conami, 104
Phyllyrea latifolia, 222
Phyllis, 201
Phyllolobeje, 87
Physa, 154
Physalis Alkekengi, 230
flexuosa, 230
Phytelephas, 282
Phyteuma spicatum, 184
Phytolacca abyssinica, 165
decandra, 166
Phylolaccees, 154, 164, 165
Phytolacceae, 165
tNDEX.
385
Picrotoxia, 32
Pilularia, 314
Pinckneya nubens, 203
Pindaiba, 22
Piney Tree, 42
Pine-apple Tribe, 254
Pine Apple, 255
Pine, Norfolk Isla .d, 247
Weymouth, 247
Pinguicula, 224
Pinus Cembra, 248
Gerardiana, 248
Lambertiana, 247
Douglasii, 257
taxit'oiia, 247
sylvestris, 248
Pumilio, 248
Pinaster, 248
Picea, 248
Piper, 11
sethiopicum, 22
Cubeba, 172
inebrians, 172
anisatum, 172
Betel, 172
Siriboa, 172
Piperacece, 98, 169, 170, 171
Piperaceae, 171
Piriqueta, 148
Pisang, 229
Pisonia, 169
Pistacia atlantica, 127
Lentiscus, 127
Terebinthus, 127
Pistiaceae, 288
Pistiacea, 72, 284, 287
Pistolochinae, 71
Pisum, 87
Pitcairnia, 254
Pitch, common, 248
Burgundy, 248
Pitcher-plant Tribe, 151
Pittomba, 115
Pittosporeae, 136
Pittosporea, 110
Placea, 258
Plagianthus, 35
Plane Tribe, !>7
Plantaginete, 224
Plantagineae, 19e
Plantago arenaria, 192
Ispaghula, 192
Psyllium, 192
Platanea?, 97
Platanete, 96
Platyzoma, 312
Pleurorhizeae, 18
Plukenetia corniculata, 104
Plum, 83
rough-skinned, 85
gray, 85
Cocoa, Q5
59
Plum, Sebesten, 241
Plumbagineae, 192
Plumbago zeylanica, 193
europca, 193
scandens, 193
Plumieria obtusa, 212
Poa, 302
disticha, 295
Poaceae, 292
Poaya, 145
Poaya da praia 145
Poaya branca, 145
Podocarpus, 247
neriifolia, 248
Fodophyllese, 13
Podophyllea, 9, 30, 31
Podophyllum, 31
Podostemea?, 172
Podostemece, 174
Pogonia, 263
Pois doux, 89
Pois queniques, 39
Polanisia graveolens, 20
Polemoniacea, 213, 216
Pelemoniaceae, 217
Pollichieae, 162
Polyanthes tuberosa, 277
Polycarpssa, 162
Polycenia, 236
Polychroite, 259
Polygala Senega, 143
sanguinea, 143
Polygala, 106
Polygaline, 143
Polygale<B, 70, 86, 114, 136, 176
Polygaleae, 142
Polygonea. 91, 154, 165, 166, 168, 472
Polygonese, 167
Polygonum Hydropiper, 167
barbatum, 167
Fagopyrum,167
hispidum, 168
tataricum, 168
aviculare, 168
Polypetalous plants, 2
Polypodiaceae, 312
Poly podium phymatodes, 311
Calaguala,311
crassifolium, 311
Polytrichum, 318
PomacetB, 28, 63, 80, 84, 111
Pomaceae, 81
Pomaderris, 111
Pomegranal e, 63, 64
Pontedereae, 270
Pontederea azurea, 271
Poplar, 97
Poppy Tribe, 8
Populus tremuloides 97
Porliera, 134
Poropterides, 312
Portlandia hexaadra" 208
386
INDEX,
Portulacea, 48, 54, 154, 155, 157, 158
159, 162
PortulaceiB, 157
Potalia resinifera, 207
amara, 207
Potaliea?, 207
Potaliece, 211
PotameaE, 286
Potamogeton natans, 287
Potamophilffi, 287
Potato, 229
Potato, sweet, 217
Potentilleae, 81
Potentilla anserina, 80
reptans, 80
Leschenaultiana, 80
Pothos pedatus, 285
quinquenervius, 285
Premna itnegrifolia, 237
Preslea, 240
Pretrsa, 232
Primulacea, 48, 157, 175, 194, 196,
199, 222, 224
Primulacea?, 223
Primrosu Tribe, 223
Prinos verticillatus, 176
glaber, 176
Prockia, 150
Prosopis, 89
Prostanthera, 238
Proteacea, 23, 70, 74, 199, 206
Proteacese, 67
Prunes, 83
Primus, 63, 82
spinosa, 83
domestica, 83
brigantiaca, 63
Cocomilia, 84
Prussic acid, 82
Pselium, 31
Pseudocotyledoneae, 304, 305, 307, 317
Psilotum, 314
Psoralea corylifolia, 90
Psychotria emetica, 203
herbacea, 203
noxa, 203
Psychotriacese, 203
Psyllocarpus, 293
Ptarmica, 197
Pteleacese, 127
Pteris aquilina, 311, 312
esculenta, 312
Pterocarpus santalinus, 90
erinacea, 90
Draco, 90
Pterospermum, 37
Pterospora, 182
Pterygodium, 261
Pticcoon, 9
Pulque, 255
Punica, 63
Punica, 27. 62, 6 I
Purslane Tribe, 157
Puschkinia, 272
Pyrola, 182
Pyrolacea, 179, 226
Pyrolacee, 182
Pyrus Aria, 82
Aucuparia, 82
Pythagoras' bean, 12
Quassia Simarouba, 129
Quassia Tribe, 135
Quercineas, 96
Quercus falcata, 95
Suber, 96
iEgilops, 96
Queriaceu, 164
QueriacetB, 162
Quina de la Angostura, 131
blanca, 102
of Brazil, 230
de la Guayna, 131
Quince, 82
Quin ia, 202
Quinquina, 179, 202, 222
of Peru, 90
Piton, 203
desAntilles,208
Radiola, 153
Radish, 17
Raffle sia, 72
Raiz do Padre Salerma, 163
Raiz Preta, 203
Rajania, 276
Ramalina, 329
Rambutan, 115
Ramonda, 233
Rampion, 184
Ranunculaceae, 6
Ranunculaceai, 5, 11, 13, 25, 33, 63, 251
Flammula, 7
sceleratus, 7
glacialis, 7
Rape, 18
Raspailia, 50
Raspberry, 80
Ratanhia, 143
Rattle Tribe, 22S
Reaumuria, 161
Reauinuria, 47
Reaumurieoc, 47
ReaumuriecB, 155, 160
Rebenta cavallos, 185
Rectembriaj, 87
Red snow, 334
Redwood tree, 120
Reeds, 301
Reevesia, 37
Reimaria, 202
Rein-deer moss, 329
Resedacere, 104
Reseda alba, 104
odorata, 105, 106
Phvteuma, 105, 106
i Mm; a.
36/
Reseda luteola, 106
Resin of Coumia, 124
Restiacece, 253, 254, 209
Restincere, 280
Retanilla, 111
Rhabdia, 241
Rhamneae, 111
Rhamnee, 100, 109, 110, 126, 133, 136,
161, 17"
Rhamnus catharticus, 111
infectorius, 112
saxatilis, 112
amygdalinus, 112
Rhapis, 280
Rheum, 167
Rheumic acid, 167
Rhexia, 61
Rhinanthaeese, 228
Rhinanthacea, 226
Rhipsalidese, 54
Rhipsalis, 53
Rhizanteas, 72
Rhizobolese, 113, 114
Rhizocarps, 314
Rhizophora gymnorhiza, 60
Rhizophorea?, 59
Rhizophoreee, 65
Rhizosperraa?, 314
Rhododendra, 179
Rhododendron ferrugineum, 180
chrysantht mum, 180
ponticurn, :80
maximum, 180
Rhodola?na, 34
Rhodoraceas, 179
Rhopala, 69
Rhubarbs, 167 .
Rhubarbarin, 167
Rhus Coriariri, 127
glabrum, 127
Rhyncotheca, 136
Ribesise, 53
Ribgrass Tribe, 191
Riccia, 321
Riccia, 305
Rice, 300
Richardsonia, 201
rosea, 203
scabra, 203
Ricinus communis, 101
Ricotia, 17
Riedleia, 37
Rinoria, 145
Ripogonum, 275
Ritta Kaddapoo, 125
Rivinn, 165
Robertsonia, 49
Robinia Pseud-acacia, 90
Rocambole, 271
Rock-rose Tribe, 14«
Rocou, 149
Ropera, 134
Rollinia, 21
Romanzovia, 151
Rondeletia, 202
Rondoletia febrifu.a, .03
Roridula, 151
Rosa, 9, 27
rubi<ruos', 80
canina, 80
i. - . oa, 80
Rosacea?, 79
Rosacea, 6, 27, 48, 62, 63 77, 78, 79,
82, 83, 84, 86, 87, 126, 150, 152
Rose Apple, 64
Hose Tribe, 79
I'osemary, 238
I'osewood, 88, 0
Roumea, 21
Rowan Tree, 82
Rubia Manjista, 200
ooxa, 200
Rubiaceaa, 200
Rubiacecc, 215
Rubus arcticus, 80
villosus, 80
jamaicensis, SO
Rue Tribe, 132
Ruellia strepens, 232
Ruizia, 28
Rumex acetosa, 167
Ruppia, 287
Ruscus racemosus, 275
Hypophyllum, 275
Rush Tribe, 268
Russia Mats, 40
Rutacese, 132
Rutacete, 121, 129, 132, 133, 136
Ryania, 26
Rye, 300
Satmlineae, 280
Sabbatia angularis, 214
Sabicea, 202
Sacarolha, 36
Saccharum, 292, 301
Ravenna;, 297
Tencriftfe, 297
Saffron, 198, '-259
Sage, 238
Sageretia theezans, 112
Sagittaria, 251
Sago, 246, 280
Portland, 285
Sagonea, 219
Sagus farinifera, 280
St. Ignatius' Bean, 213
Salep,262
Salacia, 110
Salicari<e, 56, 59, 62
Salicariae, 58
Salicineae, 96
Salicinece, 96, 24^
Salicine, 97
388
INDEX.
Salicomia, 165
Salix arctica, 97
Sallow, 97
Salomonia, 148
Salsafy, 198
Salsola, 165
Salvertia, 140
Salviniese, 316
Samanbaya,311
Sambucinese, 205
Samolus, 223
Samphire, 5
Sam7jdece, 21, 77, 86, 171
Samydeee, 78
Sandal wood, 90
Sandarach, 248
Sanders' wood Tribe, 73
Sanguinaria canadensis, 9
Sanguisorba officinalis, 79
Sanguisorbeac, 78
Sanguisorbece, 80
Sanseviera, 271
Santalacea, 65, 68, 74, 76
Santalacece, 73
Santalum album, 73
Santolirta, 197
Sapindacece, 112, 113, 114 U9
Sapindaceae, 114
Sapindus esculentus, 115
saponaria, 115
Sapium, 103
aucuparium, 104
Saponaria officinalis, 154
Sapotem, 75, 176, 219, 223
Sapotese, 178
Sappodilla Tribe, 178
Sapucaya, 44
Saraceniese, 150
Sarcocolla, 71
Sarcocollin, 71
Sarcolsena, 34
Sarcophyte, 286
Sarmentacese, 117, 118
Sarmienta, 224
Sarsaparilla 275
German, 303
of India, 212
Sassafras Nuts, 29
Saunders' wood, 90
Saurauja, 43
Saururus, 11, 173
Saurureee, 170, 172
Saurureas, 169
Sauvagese, 144
Sauvagesia erecta, 145
Savin, 248
Savignia, 17
Savory, 238
Saxifrageaa, 5, 46, 49, 51, 52, 53, 85,
151, 158, 162, 204
Saxifrages, 48
Scabiosa succica, 194
Scabious Tribe, 193
ScaevoleaB, 193
Sctpvola, 187
Scammony, 216
Scheuchzeria, 288
Schinus Molle, 127
Arroeira, 127
Schismatopterides,312
Schizsea, 312
Scinz ndra, 31
Sch.zonotus, 79, 81
Schizopetalum, 14
Schmidelia edulis, 115
Schopfia, 205
Scku/jfrria, 215
Schweinitzia, 182
Schioenkia, 106
Scilla mariiima, 272
Scill-tin, 272
Scio Turpentine, 127
Scirpeae, 303
Scirpus triqueter, 303
capitatus, 303
Scitaminete, 259, 260
Scitaminese, 263
ScleranthetB, 91, 162, 163
Scleranthese, 164
Scleranthus, 9
Scleria lithosperma, 303
Sclcrinfe, 303
Scoparia dulcis, 227
Scopariaceaa, 226
Scorzonera, 198
Scotch Fir, 247
Screw Pine Tribe, 281
Scrophularia aquatica, 227
nodosa, 227.
Scrophularinea, 154, 179, 213, 221, 224.
225
Scrophularineae, 226
Scutellaria, 106
Sea Kale, 17
Sea-side Grapes, 167
Sea-weed Tribe, 334
Sea-wrack, 287
Sebesten Plum, 241
Secale, 301
Securidaca, 142, 143
Sedea3, 159
Sedge Tribe. 302
Seguiera asiatica, 16(5
Seje Palm, 278
Selaginete, 227
Selaginea?, 235
Sem, 91
Semecarpus Anacardium, 126
Semi'iiiferffi, 1
Sempervivae, 169
Sempervivum tectorum, 159, Kid
glutinosum, 160
Senacia undulata, 136
Senegine, 144
INDEX.
:js«.i
Senna, 89
Service, 82
Seringia, 38
Sesameas, 232
Sesamum, 233
orientale, 102
Sesuvium Portulacastrum, 160
Sethia, 116
Shallot, 271
Shepherdia. 67
Sherardi.i, 200
Shorea robusla, 42
Sibthorpia, 228
Sida cordiiblia, 33
mauritiana, 33
micrantha, 33
carpinifolia, 33
lanceolata, 34
Siegesbeckia orientalis,197
Silene, 106
virginica, 154
Silex, 237, 300, 308
Simarubaceee, 131
Simarubaceae, 135
Simaruba versicolor, 135
Simbi, 91
Simsia, 68
Sinapis, 18
chinensis, 17
Sipanea, 202
Sisymbrium, 18
Skirret, 5
Skunk Cabbage, 285
Sloe, 83
Smeathmannia, 77
Smeathmannia, 147
Smilacete, 271
Smilaeeae, 275
Smilax Tribe, 275
Sarsaparilla, 275
China, 275
aspera, 275
Soap, 311
Soap-tree Tribe, 114
Soda, 165
Solania, 230
Solanum, 231
Solanes, 229
Solanea, 216, 223, 2^7
Solanum Pseudoquina, 230
nigrum, 230
esculentum, 230
Jacquini, 230
bahamense, 230
mammosum, 230
Dulcamara, 230
Sonerila, 256
Sonerila, 60
Sonneratia 62, 63
Sophora, 86
Sorrel, 167
Souari Nuts,£114
Soulainea, 143
Sow Bread, 224
Spadiceae, 250
Spanish Chestnut, 95
Sparganioidea?, 283
Sparganium, 282, 287
Sparmannia, 41
Spartina, 301
Spartium junceum, 86
Spaihodea, 235
Spermacoce ferruginea, 203
Sperm acoce Poaya, 203
Spermacoceae, '201
Sphreralcea cisplatina, 33
Sphasria, 330
Sphasrocarpus, 322
Spider-wort Tribe, 253
Spigelia marylandica, 216
Spigeliacece, "214
Spigeliaceae, 215
Spikenard, 194
Spilanthus, 197
Spinach, 165
Spireea, 64
sorbifolia, 79
ulmaria, 80
Spirasacea?, 81
Spiral vessels in the testa, 109, 217
Spiranthes, 263
Spirolobeae, 18
Spondiaceae, 122
Sprengelia, 180
Spruce, 246
beer, 248
Stachys palu8tris, 238
Stacliytarpheta jamaicensis, 237
Stackhouseae, l08
Stadmannia, 114
Staelia, 201
Stagmaria verniciflua, 126
Stalagmitis Gambogioides, 4")
Stapelia, 210
Staphyleacece, 111
Staphylleaceaa, 112
Star Apple, 178
Star Reed, 73
Statice caroliniana, 193
Stauntonia, 31
Stearine, 31
Stellaria, 155
Stellate, 106
Stellate, 200
Stenochilus, 235
Sterculia platanifolia, 36
acuminata, 38
Chicha, 38
Tragacantha, 38
fcetida, 38
Sterculiacece, 32, 33, 34, 38, 41
Sterculiacese, 36
Sternbergia lutea, 258
Stevia febrifuga, 197
390
INDEX.
Sticta, 329
Stigmarota, 21
Stilagineae, 94
Stilago, 95
Stipa, 291
Stipulicida, 162
Stone Pine, 248
Storax, 177
liquid, 248
Stramonium, 230
Strati otete, 252
Stratiotes, 254
Stravadium, 64
Strawberry, 80
Strelitzia, 267
Streptocarpus Rexii, 233
Streptocheeta, 302
Streptopus, 275
Struthiola, 74
Strychnese, 211, 221
Strychnacese, 202
Strychnia, 94, 129
Strychnia, 213
Strychnos, 207
colubrina, 212
S. Ignatii, 212
Nux vomica, 212
Pseudo-quina, 213
Stylidiece, 183, 186
Stylidieae, 186
Styphelia, 180
Styracece, 119, 121, 219
Styracere, 176
Suberin, 96
Subularia, 18
Succory, 198
Succulent.Ee, 159
Sugar, 300, 314
Sulphur, 91
Sumachineae, 127
Sundew Tribe, 151
Sunflower, 197
Suwarrow Nuts, 114
Swartziese, 87
Sweet Potato, 217
Swietenia Mahagoni, 120
febrifuga, 120
Sycamore Tribe, 115
Sycoidete, 93
Syrnplocarpus fcetida, 295
Symplocineee, 176, 177
Synantherere, 195
Synaphea, 68, 69
Synorhizte, 243
Syringa, 220, 222
Tabasheer, 300
Tabernii'inontana utilis, 21^
Tacamaiiaca, 90
Tacca, 284
Taenia guianensis, 214
Tacsonia, 147
Tagna, 283
Talinum, 157
Tamarind, 89
TamariscinetB, 47
Tamanscineae, 155
Tamarisk Tribe, 155
Tamarix sougarica, 155, 161
gallica, 156
africana, 156
Tamus, 276
Tannin, all
Tanghin Tree, 212
Tansy, 197
Tapura, 77
Taquarussa, 301
Targionia, 322
Tarragon, 197
Tasmannii, 26
Taxanthema, 193
Te-a, 80, 83, 112, 176, 177, 180, 222
Tea, Brazilian, 237
Tea Plant, 64
Teak, 237
African, 104
Teasel, 194
Tectona, 237
Teleph:eee, 162
Telephium, 155
Tephrosia, 88, 89
purpurea, 91
Terebintacea;, 124, 125, 126, 127
Terebintacecp, 77, 78, 86, 99, 128
Terminalia alata, 66
Bellerica, 66
Chebula, 66
latifolia, 66
vernix, 66
Terminaliese, 65
Ternstromiaceas, 42
TernstriimiucetB, 33, 44
Terra japonica, 90
Tetracera, 25
Tetradynamia, 14, 18
Tetragonia expansa, 160
Tetrameles, 107
Tetramerium, 201
Tetrathoca, 141
Tetranthus, 30
Thalassia, 287
Thalassiophyta, 334
Thalia, 265
Thalictrum, 6, 8
Thamnea, 50
Thamnochortus, 281
Theacea?, 42
Thesium, 74
Theta, 193
Theohroinii Cnrao, 39
Theophrasta, 110
Theophrasta Jussiaei, 223
Thoa, 247
Thrinax, 280
Thryallis. 117
1M)K\.
391
Tliuja articulata, 248
quadrivalvis, 249
Thunbergia, 231
Thylacium, 19
Thyme, 238
Thymelffiffi, 74
Thyrn l<e<e, 68, 73, 75, 77
Ticorea, 131
febrifuga, 131
jasminiflora, 131
Tiglium, oil of, 101
Tiliaeeae, 40
Tiliacea, 33, 37, 41
Tillandsia, 254
Tillaea, 159, 162
Tina, 114
Ting., 179
da Praya, 179
Tinguy, 115
Tmesipteris, 314
Tobacco, 168, 230
Toddalia, 129
Toddy, 119, 280
Tofieldia, 270
Tomatoes, 43
Tomato, 229
Tonina, 281
Tonka Bean, 91
Tonsella pyriformis, 110
Torenia asiatica, 227
Tormentilla, 80
Tortula, 318
Toumefortia, 241
Tradescantia, 253
Tragia involucrata, 104
Tragopogon, 198
Trapa, 57
Trapa, 252
Tree of long life, 64
Trefoil, 88
Tremandreae, 141
Trianthema, 157
Tribulus, 134
Trichilia speciosa, 119
Trichodium, 291
Trichopus, 72
Tricosanthes palmata, 190
Triccryne, 271
Trientalis, 223
Trifolium alpinnm, 89
Triglochin, 288
Trilliacese, 275
Triosteum, 205
perfoliatum,206
Tripe de Roche, 329
Tripetaloideae, 250
Triphasia trifoliata, 122
Tripterella, 256
Tnsticha, 173
Triticum, 300
Trollms, 8
Trnp.-rolese, 138
Tropaolea, 138, 139
Tropajolum pentaphyllum, 138
majus, 138
tuberosum, 138
Trumpet-flower Tribe, 234
Truffle, 332
Tsin-y,25
Tuberose, 277
Tulipacese, 276
Turmeric, 265
Turneracea, 147, 158
Turneracese, 148
Turnera trioniflora, 148
Turnip, 17
Turnsol, 101, 102
Turpentine, oil of, 48
Bourdeaux, 248
Strasburgh, 248
Venetian, 248
Scio, 271
Turpinia, 112
Turraea, 119
Tussilago Farfara, 196
Tutsan Tribe, 46
Typhaceae, 283
Typhinece, 170, 282
Ulex europseus, 86
Ulfmossa, 329
Ulmaceae, 93
Ulmacece, 98
Ulmarise, 81
Ulmin, 92
Ulrnus, 96
Uinbellifera?, 4
Umbellifer<B, 6, 168, 204
Umbelliferous Tribe, 4
Umiri, Balsam, 121
Uncinia, 302
Unona, 23
Upas, 94
Urania speciosa, 268
Uredineae, 329
Urena lobata, 34
Urceola elastica, 212
Urtica dioica, 91
urens, 91
pdulifera, 1
crenulata, 92
stimulans, 92
Urticeae, 91
Urticete, 24, 2-t, 58, 92, 95, qq ioo, 109,
171, 174, 189
listeria, 208
Utriculinae, 224
Uva ursi, 180
Uvaria tripetaloidea, 22
aroinatica, 22
febrifuga, 22
Uxularia, 270
Vaccinieae, 181
Vacciniem, 52, 179
Vaccinium Vitis Idea, 180
392
INDEX.
Vaquois, 282
Vahea, 212
Valerian, red, 195
Valerian, 72
Valerianese, 194
Valerian Tribe, 194
Valeriana Phu, 194
officinalis, 194
celtica, 194
Jatamansi, 194
Valerianella, 195
Vallea, 41
Vallisneria alternifolia, 253
Vallisneriacese, 252
Vallota, 258
Vandese, 263
Vangueira, 203
Vinalla, 263
Varnish of Sylhe, 126
Martaban, 126]
Varronia, 241
Vasculares, 1
Vateria indica, 42
Velarne do Campo, 102
Vella, 18
Velleia, 186
Velonia, 96
Vellozia, 256
Veratreaa, 269
Veratrin, 270
Veratrum viride, 270
Verbascum, 229
Verbascum, 227
Verbenacese 236
Verbenacete, 221, 229, 235, 236
Verbesina sativa, 197
Vernonia anthelmintica,197
Veronica, 215
Verouieeae, 228
Vervain Tribe, 236
Vetch, 88
Vibumea, 51
Viburnum, 51, 106
davuricum, 205
Vicia, 87
Vijuco del Guaco, 197
Vilfa, 301
Villarsia nymphoides, 214
ovata, 214
Vin d'Aulnte, 197
Vine Tribe, 117
Vinceae, 211
Viniferae, 117
Vino Mercal, 255
Viola canina, 145
Violaces, 144
Violaceai, 141, 143, 146, 149, 151,
Violet Tribe, 141
Virginian Poke Tribe, 165
Virola sebifera, 23
Viscum, 206
Vish, or Visha, 7
Vismia, 46, 47
Vismiese, 47
Vitices, 236
Vites, 117
Vites, 5, 31, 114, 137
Viviania, 154
Voacanga, 212
Voa Vanga, 203
Vochya, 141
Vochyaceae, 140
Vochyaceat, 61, 65
Vogelia, 193
Wachendorfia, 256
Wahlenbergia, 184
Walkera serrata, 133
Wallichia, 280
Wallichiese, 37
Waltheria, 36
Douradinha, 38
Walnut Tribe, 99
Wampee, 122
Water-chestnut Tribe, 57
Water-cress, 17
Water-lily Tribe, 10
Water-pepper Tribe, 156
Water-plantain Tribe, 251
Waterleaf Tribe, 241
Wax Palm, 280
Webera tetrandra, 203
Weinmannia, 49
Weissia, 321
Wheat, 300
Whortleberry, 180
Wigandia, 218
Wild Ginger, 72
Willdenowia, 281
Willow Tribe, 96
Winter Green Tribe, 184
Winter's Bark Tribe, 25
Winter's Bark, false, 119
Winterse, 25
Wintered, 22, 27
Wisteria sinensis, 86
Witch Hazel Tribe, 50
Wittelsbachia insignis, 43
Woodruff, 200
Woodsorrel Tribe, 137
Wonnseed Oil, 165
Wormseed Tribe, 215
Wormwood, 197
Wrightia antidysenterica, 212
tinctoria, 212
Xanthophytuin, 202
Xanthorhiza apiifolia, 7
Xanthoxylese, 127
155 Xunthoxylea, 86, 126, 131
Xantlioxyhun Clava, 128
fraxineum, 128
caribamm, 128
hiemnle. 12*
Xcropl ] '■■. 2SH
INDEX.
393
Xerotes, 269
Xiinenia, 70
Xuaresia, 215
Xylophilla, 74
Xylopia sericea, 22
Xyrideie, 253
Xyris, 259
indica, 254
Yallhoy, 143
Yam Tribe, 276
Yams, 285
Yellow-root, 7
Yellow-wood, 120
Yercum, 210
Yew, 240
Zamia, 244
Zamia, 307
Zanichellia, 287
Zedoary, 265
Zingiber officinalis, 265
Zinzeyd,
Zizyphus Jujuba, 112
Zostera, 287
Zygophyllca), 134
Zygojyhyllece, 132, 135, 138
Zygophyllum Fabago, 134
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